Arar: The traditional craft of making an agal, a doubled black cord worn by Arab men to secure a ghutrah or keffiyeh, is still thriving in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders Region. Despite competition from modern industries, the handcrafted agal, typically made from durable goat hair, remains a significant part of the national attire.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the intricate process involves several steps. It begins with placing a white cotton padding on a special tool, which is then covered with a black cotton layer. A black thread is meticulously wrapped around the padding. The ends are then tied and knotted in a process known as "kasra agal." This is followed by "tadrees," which is sewing the ends together and covering the knot. Finally, a mold and a wooden pestle are used to adjust the weight and shape of the agal, a process that takes approximately 30 minutes.

Mustafa Abdullah, a craftsman in the city of Arar with over 40 years of experience, notes that handmade agals are particularly popular with older generations and heritage enthusiasts, especially for special occasions. With an abundance of livestock providing the necessary raw materials, Northern Borders Region has the potential to keep this traditional craft alive despite modern challenges.