The garment
The bisht is a long outer garment that men wear over their clothes on special occasions: births, weddings, funerals, ceremonies and festivals.
It is draped over the shoulders, wrapped across the chest and held on one side, leaving the right hand free for greetings. Its style changes with the region, the season and the time of day. It stands for respect and protection, and sometimes for status and leadership.
The craft
The bisht is made from natural materials such as wool and camel or goat hair. Making one involves spinning, dyeing, weaving and tailoring. Its edges, around the neck and halfway down the front, are embroidered by hand in fine silk or gold- and silver-coated thread.
Skilled artisans, men and women, do this work. They pass it on informally in families and workshops, and formally in schools and institutes of traditional dress. UNESCO listed the bisht in 2025 on a joint nomination from nine countries, including Saudi Arabia.