What Should You Wear in Saudi Arabia as a Tourist?

One of the first questions travellers ask before a trip is what to wear in Saudi Arabia as a tourist. The country has opened its doors to visitors in recent years, and while it remains culturally conservative, the dress code is more relaxed and more welcoming than many people expect. Knowing what is expected helps you feel confident, comfortable, and respectful from the moment you land.

This guide walks you through the modest-dress expectation, what has changed for women, how men should dress, what to wear at religious sites, and how to stay cool in the heat. It is practical rather than strict — the goal is to help you pack well and blend in politely, so you can focus on enjoying your journey.

The Golden Rule: Modest Dress

Across Saudi Arabia, the guiding principle is modesty. For both men and women, this generally means covering the shoulders and the knees, and choosing clothing that is loose rather than tight or revealing. You do not need to cover yourself head to toe, but very short, sheer, or figure-hugging clothing is best avoided in public. When in doubt, opt for a little more coverage — locals appreciate the courtesy, and you will feel more at ease.

Modest does not mean uncomfortable or unstylish. Flowing trousers, maxi dresses, long skirts, tunics, and loose shirts all work beautifully and keep you cool. The idea is respect for local customs, not sacrificing your own sense of style.

Dress Code for Women

Here is the most important update for female travellers: since 2018, women — including tourists — are no longer legally required to wear an abaya, the long loose robe traditionally worn in the Kingdom. Modest dress is still expected, but you have real flexibility in how you achieve it.

In practice, that means loose trousers or long skirts, tops that cover the shoulders and upper arms, and hemlines around or below the knee. Many women still choose to wear a light abaya because it is simple, cool, and easy to slip over other clothes — it can be a practical choice rather than an obligation. You can buy an abaya inexpensively at almost any mall or market once you arrive.

• Loose trousers, palazzo pants, or long skirts
• Tunics, kaftans, or tops that cover the shoulders and reach past the hips
• Maxi dresses in breathable fabrics
• A light scarf kept in your bag for religious or conservative settings

On headscarves: in most public places, a non-Muslim tourist does not need to cover her hair. It is wise to carry a light scarf, as it may be needed or appreciated in certain religious contexts, some traditional neighbourhoods, or when visiting a mosque that welcomes non-Muslim visitors. Think of it as a helpful accessory rather than a daily requirement.

Dress Code for Men

Modesty applies to men too, though it is often overlooked in packing lists. The safest and most respectful choices are long trousers and shirts or T-shirts that cover the shoulders. Shorts are increasingly seen in casual and resort areas, but for cities, markets, government buildings, and anywhere near religious sites, long trousers are the better call.

• Long trousers or chinos in lightweight fabric
• Short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirts and T-shirts
• Avoid sleeveless vests and very short shorts in public areas
• Keep swimwear for pools, private beaches, and resorts

Breathable materials matter as much for men as for women. A linen shirt and light cotton trousers will keep you far more comfortable than heavy denim during the warmer months.

What to Wear by Setting

Expectations shift depending on where you are. Malls and cities are relaxed, while religious and traditional areas call for more coverage. This quick table gives you a sense of how to adjust.

Setting	Women	Men
Cities and streets	Loose trousers or long skirt, shoulders covered	Long trousers, shirt or T-shirt
Malls and restaurants	Relaxed modest wear, knees and shoulders covered	Casual trousers and a shirt
Religious sites	Full coverage, scarf for the hair	Long trousers and sleeves, no shorts
Desert trips	Loose, breathable long clothing and a scarf	Light long trousers and shirt
Beach and resorts	Swimwear within resort grounds, cover up outside	Swim shorts within resort grounds

Indoor spaces such as malls, hotels, and airports are heavily air-conditioned, so a light layer or cardigan is useful even when it is scorching outside. Between destinations, a private car keeps you cool and comfortable — booking airport transfers in advance means you step straight from arrivals into a chilled vehicle without waiting in the heat.

Religious Sites and the Holy Cities

Extra respect is expected in and around mosques and in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. If you visit a mosque that welcomes non-Muslim visitors, women should cover their hair and everyone should wear long, loose clothing and be ready to remove their shoes at the entrance.

It is important to know, respectfully, that non-Muslims cannot enter the central areas of Makkah or the precinct of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, as these are reserved for Muslims. Muslim travellers arriving to perform Umrah will typically dress in ihram as required and can rely on a dedicated Umrah taxi service to move smoothly between the sanctuaries. If you are heading to either city, our local Makkah taxi service and Madinah taxi service know the access points and drop-off zones well.

Many pilgrims also set aside time for ziyarat, visiting historic Islamic sites around the two cities. A guided ziyarat taxi service makes these visits calm and unhurried, so you can dress appropriately and focus on the experience rather than logistics.

Dressing for the Heat

Saudi Arabia is hot for much of the year, and the sun is strong. The good news is that modest dress and staying cool go hand in hand when you choose the right fabrics.

• Pick light, breathable natural fabrics such as cotton and linen
• Choose loose cuts that let air circulate
• Favour light colours, which reflect rather than absorb heat
• Pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen
• Carry a refillable water bottle and a light scarf for shade or coverage

Footwear deserves a thought too. Comfortable, supportive shoes are ideal for exploring cities and heritage sites, while slip-on shoes or sandals are handy near mosques where you remove footwear. For desert excursions, closed shoes protect your feet from hot sand and uneven ground, and for beach or resort days, sandals are perfect.

Packing Tips

You do not need a specialist wardrobe — just a thoughtful one. A few versatile, modest pieces will carry you through most of your trip.

• Two or three pairs of loose trousers or long skirts
• Several tops or shirts that cover the shoulders
• One light scarf, easy to fold into a day bag
• A packable light layer for air-conditioned interiors
• Comfortable walking shoes plus easy slip-ons
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

Remember you can shop locally. Abayas, scarves, and lightweight clothing are widely available and affordable, so it is fine to travel light and top up your wardrobe once you arrive.

Book Your Private Transfer

Travel across Saudi Arabia in comfort and on your own schedule. We provide fixed-price airport transfers, reliable city taxi service, and long-distance intercity transfers — professional drivers, clean vehicles, and no surge pricing. Request a fixed-price quote in under a minute.

Related Guides

• What to Pack for Umrah: The Complete Checklist
• First Time Visiting Makkah: A Practical Guide
• Top Tourist Destinations to Explore by Private Taxi in Saudi Arabia

Dressing modestly is easy — getting around comfortably is even easier when someone else does the driving. Book a comfortable private transfer or personal chauffeur to move around Saudi Arabia modestly and stress-free, and request your fixed-price quote today.