How To Dress In Saudi Arabia As A Tourist In 2026

How To Dress In Saudi Arabia As A Tourist in 2026

Alissa Walker

Travel writing based on first-hand experience

May 22, 2026

We’re standing in front of the suitcase like it’s a philosophical problem: How to dress in Saudi Arabia as a tourist? And the bigger question hiding behind it—do we really need an abaya? Let’s make this simple, practical, and respectful.

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Saudi Arabia’s dress code gets talked about like it’s written on stone tablets—but in reality, it’s become much more flexible.

The abaya (that classic long, open cloak) is a traditional Saudi garment, but it’s no longer mandatory, even for Saudi women. So yes, you can dress in a Western style—just keep it modest and non-revealing.

What usually works everywhere:

Loose trousers (wide-leg, linen, cargos—anything not skin-tight)
A long skirt or midi/maxi dress
A T-shirt or top with sleeves (three-quarter sleeves are a great “safe” option)
Shoulders and knees covered as a general baseline

What to avoid (especially if you don’t want attention):

Tight-fitting outfits (leggings-as-pants, bodycon dresses)
Low necklines, crop tops, backless tops
Very short skirts/shorts
Sheer fabrics without layering

Do we change outfits depending on where we are?

Yes—and this is the real travel hack. We dress for the vibe of the place, not just the weather.

Big cities: Riyadh & Jeddah

In major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, women can dress in Western clothes without issues—as long as you keep it respectful:

Cover shoulders
Cover knees
Keep silhouettes relaxed, not clingy

Think “smart modest”: the kind of outfit you’d wear to a nice café where you might run into your future in-laws.

Rural areas & traditional towns

This is where the abaya becomes useful—not because it’s required, but because it’s a smooth social shortcut.

In smaller villages, wearing an abaya over your clothes can feel like the easiest way to blend in and avoid causing offense. We can wear it like a long vest over pants and a top—simple to take on and off depending on the situation.

And in very remote, conservative villages, you might feel more comfortable adding a light headscarf (not tightly wrapped, not dramatic—just a simple cover). It’s not compulsory, but it can be a quiet sign of respect.

And honestly? That’s part of travel. We’re not there to “correct” culture—we’re there to understand it.

Can women wear a swimsuit in Saudi Arabia?

Swimwear is where things get… location-dependent.

Private beaches

There are private beaches where women (including Saudi women) may swim in bikinis. In places like Jeddah, some private beaches allow bikinis even in mixed-gender areas.

Public beaches

Public beaches are more conservative. A burkini is usually the safest option, or swimming in loose clothes.

Hotel pools

Hotel pool rules vary:

Some pools are mixed-gender, but that’s not the default
Many places have separate swimming times for men and women

If you care about wearing a bikini, check the rules before you book, because policies can differ from one hotel to another.

Is the veil (hijab) mandatory in Saudi Arabia?

No—the hijab is not mandatory for Saudi women or tourists anymore, and you’ll see more Saudi women going without it in everyday life.

That said, in conservative areas, wearing a light scarf can sometimes make you feel more comfortable and help interactions go more smoothly. People often appreciate the effort, and it can make it easier to connect respectfully.

Is a headscarf mandatory in mosques?

Yes—when visiting mosques (as in many Muslim places of worship), women are expected to cover their hair. This applies to tourists too.

The good news: you don’t need “full religious attire.” A simple headscarf is enough, paired with modest clothing (long sleeves, long trousers/skirt, and covered shoulders).

Our simple packing cheat sheet

If you want a no-stress Saudi wardrobe, pack:

1 lightweight abaya (as a layer, not a uniform)
1–2 long, loose trousers
1 maxi skirt or long dress
2–3 loose tops with sleeves
1 scarf (mosques + traditional areas + wind + dust = useful anyway)
Swim plan: burkini or modest set unless you’re sure you’ll be using private beaches/hotel pools that allow bikinis

What about men?

Men can absolutely wear Western clothing, but the golden rule is the same: keep it modest and public-appropriate.

What usually works (and keeps you off everyone’s radar):

T-shirts or shirts (short sleeves are fine)
Lightweight long trousers (especially handy in heat + sun)
Knee-length shorts (in many city settings) if they’re not too sporty/skimpy
Closed shoes or sandals—both common, depending on where you are

What to avoid in public:

Very short shorts
Tank tops / sleeveless tops
Anything that looks like beachwear or gym wear outside the beach/gym
Clothing that’s overly tight or see-through (yes, men too)

Do men need to cover up more in certain places?

Yep—just like everywhere, context matters.

Mosques and religious sites

In mosques (and other conservative religious settings), men should wear clothing that covers:

legs (trousers are safest)
arms (at least sleeves—short sleeves may be acceptable in some places, but long sleeves are the respectful default)

And remember: even when rules aren’t aggressively enforced, locals notice effort. A simple, modest outfit is usually appreciated—and it makes the whole trip feel smoother, like we’re traveling with the culture, not bumping into it.