The craft of making the agal—the distinctive doubled black cord worn by Arab men to secure the ghutrah or keffiyeh—continues to flourish in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders Region. Despite the rise of modern manufacturing, the handcrafted agal, traditionally woven from strong goat hair, remains an essential element of national dress.
The process of creating an agal is both meticulous and artistic. It begins with placing white cotton padding on a specialized tool, which is then wrapped in a layer of black cotton. Skilled hands carefully wind black thread around the padding, securing it firmly. The ends are tied and knotted in a method known as kasra agal. This is followed by tadrees, the sewing and covering of the knot to ensure durability and a polished finish. Finally, the agal is shaped and weighted using a mold and wooden pestle—a stage that takes about 30 minutes to complete.
For seasoned craftsman Mustafa Abdullah of Arar, who has devoted more than four decades to this art, the handmade agal holds enduring cultural value. While especially cherished by older generations and heritage enthusiasts, it also plays a central role in traditional ceremonies and celebrations. Thanks to the region’s plentiful livestock providing the raw materials, the Northern Borders Region remains well-positioned to sustain this timeless craft in the face of modern change.
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