ghutra

The ghutra, also spelled gutra or gutrah, is a traditional men's headscarf worn in the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions. It is typically a square or rectangular piece of cotton fabric that is folded and placed over the head to provide protection from sun and sand. In most Gulf states it is worn with an agal, a black cord that secures the scarf in place. The term ghutra is commonly used in the Gulf states, while the broader term keffiyeh or kufiya is used in the Levant to describe similar head coverings; the garments are closely related and share origins in desert dress.

Materials vary; most ghutras are made of cotton, sometimes blended with synthetic fibers. The common colors are white, black-and-white, or red-and-white checkered patterns. White ghutras are standard in many Gulf countries for formal wear, while checkered patterns are more common in other Arab regions, with color schemes indicating regional identity.

To wear, the ghutra is folded into a triangle and placed over the head with the two ends draped over the shoulders or chest. The agal is placed around the crown to secure it. There are regional draping variations, such as tucking one end under the chin or letting both ends hang down. In some settings, the color and pattern of the ghutra communicates social status or tribal association.

Ghutras are typically washed and air-dried; cotton ghutras can be ironed. They are lightweight and breathable for hot climates.