The Khanjar
Bayt Al Khanyar
In the Arab world, the khanjar is a distinctive dagger, characterised by its short, J-shaped blade. While similar daggers are found in Oman, Yemen, and the Levant region, the Emirati dagger stands out from the rest with its thinner, longer blade and more pronounced curve on its lower part. It is also smaller in size, featuring unique inscriptions that are entirely different from other daggers. Made from materials ranging from silver and gold for the upper class to brass and copper for commoners, the khanjar originally served for both combat and practical purposes such as skinning animals. Nowadays, it has obtained a symbolic status representing Emirati cultural identity.
As seen on
Old Dubai City Tour: Dubai’s Origins