Bowab

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A bowab is a type of doorman found working in buildings all over Egypt. Bowabs are usually male and wear a gallabeya (a type of kaftan), a native Egyptian dress and traditionally smoke sheesha. Bowabs are also usually Egyptians.

A bowab's job is to take care of the house to which they are assigned. Their job duties include cleaning the building by spraying water over the floor, then pushing the water onto the street with a mop. This is a rather primitive and mildly effective method of cleaning. Bowabs also will wash the cars of the people that live in the building. Bowabs do not have guns, but will use sticks when threatened or to remove unwanted visitors from entering the building.