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Emirati traditions

The Bisht

The bisht is a traditional outer garment men wear on special occasions such as births, weddings, funerals and festivals. It is draped over the shoulders and held on one side, leaving the right hand free for greetings. UNESCO lists it as of 2025.

Updated October 2026 · Facts checked 22 October 2026

Year on the UNESCO list
20251
Year on the UNESCO list
Countries on the listing
91
Countries on the listing

The Bisht

At a glance

At a glance
Item Detail
Name in Arabic البشت
UNESCO list Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Year on the list 2025
Listed by Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates

Source: UNESCO: Bisht (men's Abaa): skills and practices1

How it is made

Men and women artisans spin, dye, weave and tailor the cloth from wool and camel or goat hair. The neckline and the front edges, halfway down, are embroidered by hand with fine silk or gold- and silver-coated thread.1

What it means

The bisht is seen as a sign of respect and protection, and sometimes of status and leadership. Styles vary by region, season and time of day. Skills pass down in families and workshops and are taught in schools of traditional dress.1

Sources

  1. UNESCO: Bisht (men's Abaa): skills and practices
  2. UNESCO: United Arab Emirates, elements on the Intangible Cultural Heritage lists

Facts checked 22 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information.

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