Traveling to Saudi Arabia is exciting, but figuring out what to wear in Saudi Arabia can feel overwhelming. The country has a strict dress code in some areas, shaped by local customs and religion, yet it has become more relaxed for international tourists in recent years.
Whether you’re preparing for business meetings, exploring traditional markets, or visiting religious sites, knowing the right clothing choices is key. The right outfit will help you avoid unwanted attention, respect Saudi Arabian culture, and still stay comfortable in the desert heat.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from what local women wear to what’s acceptable for male tourists, female tourists, and even what children wear.
Understanding the Saudi Dress Code
Saudi Arabia is a conservative country, and its dress rules reflect both Islamic values and deep-rooted Saudi culture. While clothing expectations have eased for foreign visitors, it’s still important to understand what’s acceptable in public spaces.
For both men and women, the main guideline is to dress modestly. That means covering shoulders, chest, and knees. Tight or revealing outfits are not appropriate, and showing too much of your body shape can make you feel uncomfortable.
- Women wear: Traditionally, Saudi women cover themselves with a black abaya, a loose fitting robe. They may also wear a head scarf, though it’s not legally required for female tourists.
- Men wear: Male tourists wear long pants and long sleeved shirts or t shirts. Wearing shorts is rare in cities, and tank tops or sleeveless shirts are frowned upon.
So, can you wear what you want in Saudi Arabia? Not really. While wearing western clothing is allowed, it should be loose fitting clothing that respects Saudi Arabia’s dress code. The aim is to blend into local culture rather than stand out.
What Local Women Wear
Saudi women usually follow traditional styles when out in public spaces. The most common is the black abaya, a loose fitting robe that covers the entire body. Many also use a head scarf or full head covering, though this depends on personal choice and family traditions.
For Muslim women, wearing the abaya is not only about religion but also about fitting into Saudi Arabian culture. In more conservative areas, you’ll see women cover their hair, while in modern cities, you may notice more flexibility in clothing choices.
As a female tourist, you don’t have to wear the abaya or a head scarf by law. Still, most visitors choose long dresses, shirt dresses, or other loose fitting clothing in darker colours to avoid unwanted attention. Wearing tight items like skinny jeans or sleeveless shirts in public can feel out of place.
The rule of thumb is to dress modestly. Cover your arms and legs, and don’t reveal too much of your body shape. Even though the law doesn’t demand it, following what local women wear shows respect for Saudi culture and makes you feel more at ease.
What Male Tourists Wear
When it comes to men, the rules are more relaxed than for women, but Saudi Arabia’s dress code still expects modesty in public spaces.
Male tourists wear long trousers, t shirts, or long sleeved shirts. Jeans are fine as long as they aren’t too tight, and loose fitting clothing is better for the heat.
Can tourists wear shorts in Saudi Arabia? Technically, yes — but it’s not common in cities, and you may feel uncomfortable since most local people don’t wear them. It’s safer to stick with long pants or light trousers.
For formal occasions, such as business meetings or events, men should wear formal suits with formal shoes. On casual days, sports shoes are perfectly acceptable, especially when walking around malls, traditional markets, or on day trips.
What not to bring? Avoid sleeveless shirts, very short shorts, or anything that shows too much skin. While rules aren’t as strict for foreign visitors, respecting Saudi culture will help you avoid unwanted attention.
Visiting Religious Sites
If you plan on visiting religious sites in Saudi Arabia, the dress code becomes much stricter than in everyday public spaces. These are areas where local customs are strongly observed, and modesty is non-negotiable.
For female tourists, covering the entire body is expected. That means wearing a loose fitting robe such as an abaya, keeping your head covered with a head scarf, and avoiding bright or flashy colors. Even long dresses or shirt dresses won’t be enough unless paired with a head covering.
For male tourists, wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants is the norm. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, and tight clothing are not appropriate here.
These areas are where you’re most likely to notice the presence of the religious police, who may remind visitors to follow the rules. While they don’t patrol shopping malls or car rentals as much anymore, they are still active around mosques and holy places.
The bottom line: when visiting religious sites, always dress modestly and avoid showing as much skin as possible. Respecting these expectations ensures you don’t feel uncomfortable and allows you to experience the country’s traditions with ease.
Children Wear
When it comes to kids, the rules are much more relaxed. Children wear normal western clothing without strict expectations, and local people generally don’t mind if kids show more skin than adults.
That said, once children are older—especially teenagers—it’s wise to encourage them to dress modestly in public spaces. For example, long pants or jeans are better than shorts, and t shirts are preferable to sleeveless shirts. This way, they blend in with Saudi Arabian culture and avoid standing out.
At swimming pools or a private pool, kids can wear normal swimwear. However, in shared or hotel pools, it’s still respectful to choose loose fitting clothing like rash guards or longer swim shorts.
The general rule is simple: younger children are given more freedom, but as they grow, it’s best to follow the same Saudi Arabia dress guidelines that apply to adults.
Clothing for Female Tourists
For female tourists, the most important tip is to pack modest clothing that balances comfort with respect for Saudi Arabia’s dress code. You don’t have to wear the black abaya or follow the exact style of local women, but keeping your shoulders, arms, and legs covered will help you avoid unwanted attention.
Great options include long dresses, shirt dresses, or other loose fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics. Many travelers also carry a loose fitting robe to wear when exploring traditional markets or busy public spaces.
Do tourists have to wear a head scarf? The law doesn’t require it anymore, but it’s smart to keep one in your bag. You’ll need it when visiting religious sites, and it can also make you feel more comfortable in conservative neighborhoods.
Pros & Cons of Clothing Options for Female Tourists:
Clothing Choice | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Loose Dresses | Respectful, comfortable in heat | May feel heavy in summer |
Abaya | Blends in with Saudi women, easy to wear | Can feel hot outdoors |
Jeans | Practical and casual | Skinny jeans may draw attention |
Head Scarf | Useful in mosques and markets | Not needed everywhere |
The bottom line: dress modestly and stay flexible. Having a mix of long sleeved shirts, long dresses, and a head scarf gives you the right clothing choices for any situation.
Role of Religious Police
The religious police, known locally as the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, used to strictly enforce Saudi Arabia’s dress code. Years ago, they could stop foreign visitors, female tourists, or even local women for showing too much skin or not wearing a head scarf.
Today, their presence in public spaces has decreased, especially in modern cities. You’re unlikely to be approached in malls, car rentals, or hotels. However, when you are near religious sites or traditional neighborhoods, modest dress is still expected, and the religious police may remind visitors to follow the rules.
This doesn’t mean tourists need to worry constantly, but it does mean that clothing choices matter. By sticking with loose fitting clothing, long pants, and modest tops, you’ll avoid standing out and feel comfortable wherever you go.
Think of it this way: while the strict dress code is not as heavily enforced as before, showing respect for Saudi Arabian culture is always the safer and smarter choice.
Practical Tips for Clothing Choices
Packing for Saudi Arabia doesn’t have to be stressful if you focus on comfort, modesty, and the climate. Here are some practical tips that work well for both male tourists and female tourists:
- Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. They keep you cool in the desert heat and are more comfortable than synthetic materials.
- Stick with loose fitting clothing. Not only does it respect Saudi Arabia’s dress code, but it also helps in hot weather.
- Bring a light jacket or cardigan. Malls, offices, and hotels often have strong air conditioning, and evenings can feel cooler.
- Save space for both sports shoes (for sightseeing, walking around traditional markets, or day trips) and formal shoes (for business dinners or special occasions).
- If you’re planning to swim, you can wear normal swimwear at a private pool or hotel swimming pools. Just remember that these rules don’t apply in public spaces.
- For formal occasions, a formal suit for men or a modest long dress for women is the safest choice.
Remember that Saudi Arabia has the world’s third highest percentage of people under 30, which means modern fashion influences exist — but the dress code is still conservative. Choosing to wear clothing that respects both tradition and comfort will help you fit in while staying cool.
Recommended Clothing Checklist for Travelers
Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
Long Pants/Jeans | Accepted everywhere, modest |
Long Sleeved Shirts / T Shirts | Keeps shoulders covered |
Loose Dresses / Abaya | Easy modest option for women |
Head Scarf | Needed for mosques, useful in conservative areas |
Light Jacket | Protection from A/C and cooler nights |
Sports Shoes | Best for walking and sightseeing |
Formal Shoes | Business meetings or events |
By keeping these essentials in your bag, you’ll blend in with local culture, avoid unwanted attention, and enjoy your trip without worrying about what to wear each day.
Blending With Saudi Arabian Culture
The easiest way to enjoy your trip without stress is to dress in a way that aligns with Saudi Arabian culture. Locals appreciate when foreign visitors make the effort to respect local customs, even if the rules for international tourists are not as strict as before.
This doesn’t mean you have to copy what local women or male tourists wear exactly. Instead, think of it as adapting your style to the same way locals present themselves in public spaces. Choosing loose clothing, keeping your knees covered, and avoiding flashy outfits helps you blend in naturally.
Wearing modest outfits also reduces unwanted attention. Many female tourists find that covering their body shape with loose fitting clothing makes them feel more comfortable when exploring busy traditional markets or cultural attractions.
In short, when you’re unsure, the safest option is to dress modestly. By following the dress code, you not only show respect for Saudi culture but also enjoy a smoother, more authentic travel experience.
Conclusion
So, what should you remember about what to wear in Saudi Arabia? Keep it modest, keep it loose, and keep it respectful. Women don’t have to wear a black abaya or a head scarf, but carrying them is useful. Men should avoid shorts in public and stick with jeans, long pants, or loose fitting clothing.
Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to foreign visitors like never before. By dressing with respect for local customs, you’ll not only avoid trouble but also enjoy a more authentic connection with Saudi culture.
