If you are wondering how to dress as a female traveler in Saudi Arabia, you have come to the right place. Here I will cover specific regional considerations, what not to pack, and exactly what to wear in Saudi Arabia as a woman.

With Saudi Arabia’s relatively recent opening to tourism in 2019, it is understandable that first-time visitors would be wondering what to wear.

I have been traveling the Gulf countries for over ten years now, and have experience traveling through Saudi Arabia’s deserts, religious cities, and small towns.

Therefore, I have a particularly good understanding of exactly what female tourists should wear in Saudi Arabia, and I’m going to share all of my best packing tips with you. Let’s dive in.

The Saudi Arabia Dress Code for Women

Saudi Arabia is a nation where cultural heritage and tradition play a vital role in everyday life. Clothing is no exception.

For women in particular, dressing appropriately is not just a matter of style but a reflection of respect for the local customs and values. So how should a first-time female visitor to Saudi Arabia navigate the dress code?

In Saudi Arabia, modesty is key. This emphasis on modest attire stems from Islamic teachings, which encourage individuals to dress in a way that reflects respect and dignity.

In this case, modestly means shoulders and legs covered; no short skirts or bare midriffs; and in some areas, an emphasis on loose clothing and covered heads.

Saudi Arabia’s expectations for dress are stricter than what you might wear in Dubai or Kuwait. But, they’re probably not quite as strict as you think, either.

Several years ago, Saudi Arabia launched a project called Vision 2030 which has eased certain rules on women, including what women have to wear. So, many of the strict rules you may have heard about on what a woman must wear in Saudi Arabia have since been eased.

Do Women Need To Wear an Abaya and Hijab in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is a diverse country, and dress codes can vary significantly between different regions.

The abaya (a loose-fitting cloak) and the hijab (headscarf) are traditional elements of Saudi women’s clothing. However, as a tourist, you will not need to wear either in most areas of the country.

I traveled Saudi Arabia both as a solo female as well as with a man, and I recommend wearing an abaya and/or hijab only in highly religious cities or conservative towns. For example, when visiting Medina —one of the holiest cities in Islam— I had my head covered and wore a long loose skirt most of the time.

In the newly-touristic areas like AlUla, Saudi Arabia, western clothing is perfectly fine. I wore leggings, sweaters, and longer shirts to cover the tight fabric of my pants. Though, unless you’re inside your resort or hotel pool, I still recommend keeping arms, shoulders, and legs covered.

In more liberal areas like Riyadh or Jeddah, you’ll also find that it’s acceptable for women to dress in a more relaxed manner. If you’re ever unsure, just observe the locals and dress accordingly.

Exactly What To Pack for Saudi Arabia as a Woman

Here is exactly what I wore as a woman traveler in Saudi Arabia. Note that some items I own may be discontinued, so the most similar option will be linked.

• Light, thin scarves – keep these on hand at all times, whether for entering mosques or for general use in conservative areas. I specifically love this one because of how breathable the fabric is in Saudi’s hot weather.
• A loose kimono – an absolute must for any country in the Gulf! Throw it on over your T-shirts to camouflage your curves under loose flowy fabric. I own many but this is one of my favorites.
• A long dressy kimono – I love to bring a couple of options so that I feel bright and fresh each day, even while covered. This one has many color choices.
• Long dresses – A maxi dress is a simple, easy choice for Saudi Arabia. I wore this around Medina as well as other areas.
• A maxi skirt – it’s great to have one of these handy, particularly if you are traveling in the summer months. A flowy skirt keeps your skin cool under the hottest sun.
• One casual hoodie – this was an easy choice for quickly covering up. I even paired it with the skirt once to be sure my arms, shoulders, and legs were covered.
• Leggings – I wear leggings often in the Middle East. The key to doing this properly is to wear a long loose top that covers your waist and curves completely.
• Palazzo pants – another staple for me in hot but conservative countries are loose and comfy palazzo pants. A pair like this is light, breezy, and loose on the legs.
• Loose t-shirts – avoid skin-tight tops and make sure that shoulders and cleavage is covered.
• A wide brim hat – necessary for hot days in the desert.
• Rugged sandals –  these can be worn both in the city and for hikes or dirt roads.
• Strappy sandals – a simple, easy choice for cities, and easy slipping on or off at mosques.
• Loose black abaya – only if you know you will spend a lot of time in conservative and religious places like Medina.

When in doubt, keep covered and you’ll be fine.

Top Clothing Tips for Women Traveling Saudi Arabia

Here are a few additional tips on women’s clothing choices for Saudi Arabia.

1. Choosing the Right Fabrics

With Saudi Arabia’s hot desert climate, selecting the right fabrics is crucial for comfort and breathability. Lightweight, airy materials can make all the difference.

2. Patterns and Colors are OK

Though the traditional abayas and hijabs were often all black, color and pattern are starting to become common around Saudi Arabia. Feel free to include pastel colors, floral patterns, and even bright accents in your wardrobe.

3. Makeup and Accessories are Common

If you prefer to wear makeup and jewelry, including nail polish, note that this is totally fine in Saudi Arabia. Smokey eye looks and sparkly earrings are fine (although I always recommend to stay away from super-flashy looks when traveling.)

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4. What Not to Pack for Saudi Arabia

When preparing for your trip, feel free to leave behind the following items:

• Short skirts or dresses: These are not suitable for public settings in Saudi.
• Sleeveless tops or low-cut clothing: Always cover your shoulders and cleavage.
• Skin-tight clothing head to toe: Loose, flowing attire is preferred.

***

As a female traveler in Saudi Arabia, wearing modest, loose-fitting clothing is key. Keep in mind that the country is currently evolving, and some of the more rigid rules have relaxed. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

While the dress code in Saudi Arabia may seem strict at first glance, it’s important to remember that it’s all about showing respect for local customs and maintaining modesty. By following these guidelines and dressing appropriately, I have no doubt that you can enjoy your trip to Saudi Arabia with confidence!

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