What to Wear in Saudi Arabia

Packing for Saudi Arabia used to feel like navigating a minefield of unwritten rules. What was acceptable, what wasn't, who would say something, who wouldn't — it was confusing even for frequent visitors. But the country has changed significantly, and so have the dress standards. That said, "more relaxed" doesn't mean "anything goes," and showing up underprepared can still lead to awkward situations, refused entry to certain sites, or genuine discomfort in the desert heat.

This guide cuts through the noise. Whether you're landing at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, exploring the ancient Nabataean tombs at AlUla, or hitting the beach in Jeddah, here's exactly what to wear — and why it matters.

The Basics: What Saudi Arabia's Dress Code Actually Requires in 2026

The most important thing to understand is that Saudi Arabia no longer legally requires foreign women to wear the abaya in public. That rule was officially relaxed in 2019, and enforcement hasn't returned. What the government now asks — of both men and women — is "modest dress" in public spaces. That means covered shoulders, covered knees, and nothing too tight or sheer.

In practice, this looks different across the country. Riyadh is more conservative than Jeddah. A shopping mall in the diplomatic quarter operates differently from a mosque in the old city. NEOM's tourism zones and the Red Sea Project resorts along the northwestern coastline — where international hotel brands have set up operations — operate under a distinct set of rules that allow considerably more relaxed dress, including swimwear at resort pools and beaches.

The Religious Police, known as the Mutawa, lost their arrest powers in 2016 and have a minimal public presence today. That doesn't mean cultural sensitivity has become irrelevant — it just means the social dynamics have shifted from enforcement to expectation.

What Women Should Pack

Everyday Clothing in Cities

For most of your time in Saudi cities, loose trousers or maxi skirts paired with tops that cover your shoulders and upper arms will serve you well. Linen and cotton are your best friends — Riyadh sits at an elevation of about 600 meters and can feel brutal in summer, when temperatures regularly hit 43°C between June and August. Breathable fabrics make a significant practical difference.

Avoid sleeveless tops, shorts above the knee, and anything form-fitting in non-resort public spaces. A light, long-sleeved layer — a linen shirt or a loose kimono-style cover-up — is worth carrying in your bag at all times. You'll need it for mosques, government buildings, and more traditional neighborhoods.

Head Coverings

Foreign women are not required to cover their hair in public. You will, however, need a headscarf to enter any mosque. Keep one in your bag. Many mosques in tourist areas, like the King Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh or the Al-Rahma Mosque in Jeddah — which is famously built on stilts over the Red Sea — provide coverings at the entrance, but bringing your own is more hygienic and reliable.

Swimwear and Resort Zones

At licensed hotel pools and beach resorts, normal swimwear is acceptable. The Red Sea Project, which spans a 28,000 square kilometer zone along the northwestern coast between Umluj and Al-Wajh, explicitly permits swimwear within resort boundaries. The same applies to NEOM's Sindalah island development, which opened its first marina and yacht facilities in late 2024 and continues expanding through 2026. Modest swimwear — a one-piece or a rash guard setup — is always a safe choice if you're unsure of a specific venue's culture.

What Men Should Pack

Men face fewer restrictions, but "modest dress" applies equally. Long trousers are expected in most public spaces, religious sites, and government buildings. T-shirts are fine throughout the country, but sleeveless tank tops will draw attention and may get you turned away from certain venues.

Shorts are increasingly common in tourist areas, particularly in Jeddah's Al-Balad historic district and along the Corniche waterfront, which stretches roughly 30 kilometers along the Red Sea. In Riyadh's older neighborhoods and in smaller cities like Buraydah or Hail, the same conservatism that applies to women's dress applies proportionally to men. Err toward lightweight long trousers and keep a collared shirt handy.

For mosques, men should wear long trousers and keep their shoulders covered. Removing shoes is required before entering the prayer hall — wear slip-on footwear whenever mosque visits are on the agenda.

Dressing for Specific Destinations

AlUla

AlUla, located about 340 kilometers north of Madinah in the Medina Region, is one of Saudi Arabia's most-visited archaeological destinations. The rock-carved Nabataean tombs at Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, are spread across an open-air complex where you'll be walking in direct sunlight for extended periods. Wear long, loose clothing in light colors, a hat, and closed-toe shoes. Sun protection matters as much as modesty here — the site sits in a desert valley and there's limited shade along the main walking routes.

Diriyah

Diriyah, the UNESCO-listed mud-brick heritage district on the outskirts of Riyadh, has become one of the capital's most popular attractions following major restoration work completed in phases between 2020 and 2024. It's a mix of open plazas, reconstructed palace complexes, and upscale restaurants. Modest dress is expected throughout. The site draws a mix of Saudi families and international tourists, and the atmosphere is more traditional than a downtown Riyadh mall.

Jeddah and the Red Sea Coast

Jeddah is generally the most cosmopolitan city in Saudi Arabia, with a long history as a port and commercial hub. Dress standards are noticeably more relaxed here than in Riyadh. On the Corniche and in the Al-Balad district, you'll see a wide range of clothing. That said, Al-Balad's narrow historic streets are lined with mosques and traditional homes — cover up when walking through that area specifically.

Practical Packing List

To summarize what actually belongs in your bag:

• Loose linen or cotton trousers (2-3 pairs minimum)
• Long-sleeved light tops or shirts
• A packable abaya or long kaftan (optional but useful for women in conservative areas)
• A headscarf or lightweight pashmina
• Slip-on shoes for mosque visits
• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for heritage sites
• Swimwear for licensed resort areas
• Sunglasses and a wide-brim hat for outdoor sites

A Note on Shopping for Clothes In-Country

If you arrive underprepared, Saudi Arabia's malls are well-stocked. Riyadh's Mall of Arabia, with over 400 stores, and Jeddah's Red Sea Mall both carry international brands. Local markets in older neighborhoods also sell affordable abayas, thobes, and lightweight scarves that work perfectly as cover-ups and make good souvenirs. Prices at traditional souqs are negotiable; prices at mall retailers are fixed.

Getting dressed for Saudi Arabia isn't complicated once you understand the logic behind it. The country is genuinely open to international visitors in 2026 in ways it wasn't even five years ago. Respect the cultural context, pack smart for the climate, and you'll spend your time focused on the places themselves — not on what you're wearing.

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