The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

After scouring shops in Cairo for a silk scarf in a difficult-to-find shade of grey, we were eventually recommended Dubetta for its varied collection of colourful scarves. Located on the ever-so-busy Geziret El Arab Street in Mohandiseen, across from Bershka and Pull & Bear, Dubetta’s bright exterior is difficult to miss.

At the time of our visit, the shop’s floor was being mopped and a staff member politely asked us to return after ten minutes. Ten minutes later, the floor had yet not dried and the same staff member asked us to kindly wait; she also suggested we check a few other shops in the meantime.

After finally entering the shop, we found it shaped like a long, narrow hallway; due to the fact that only two other customers were present at the time of our visit, we thankfully weren’t irritated by Dubetta’s tight space.

Most, if not all, items at Dubetta were without price tags, which meant we had to ask the sales attendant every time we wanted to know the price of an item.

Dubetta stocks chiffon scarves starting at 90LE. Another shinier collection of chiffon scarves was also available for more evening-appropriate outfits. The diversity of colours and the fact that there are at least six different shades of each one, you’re likely to find exactly what you’re looking for. Tragically, our specific shade of grey tragically could not be found, but Dubetta still remains a good option when on the lookout for chic, quality scarves.

An entire stand was dedicated to glittery evening scarves, starting at 45LE going up to 150LE. Plain scarves are not the only thing Dubetta offers; the shop also carries polka-dot, floral and several patterned scarves. A patterned natural chiffon scarf was priced at 120LE, and a polka-dotted chiffon scarf also sold for 120LE.

If you are going for a more casual look, Dubetta also carries cotton scarves. A brown and white polka-dotted scarf was priced at 45LE. Hair bands are also on offer starting at 10LE. Hair bonnets, bandanas and wallets are also available.

A corner of the shop is allocated to low quality looking handbags; with prices starting at 280LE, we thought the handbags were not only overpriced, but also quite hideous. Right across from the handbags section, a very small collection of sleeveless knee-length satin dresses were available. Starting at 210LE and available in a variety of colours, the dresses looked like they were sewn together with leftover fabric.

All in all, we think Dubetta’s scarves are among the best and most diverse Cairo has to offer; however, the other items failed to impress as much.