What is the Common Dress Code in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is one of the most tightly controlled countries in the world, and holds one-fourth of the world’s oil reserves. Home of the two most holy places in Islam, Mecca and Medina, it is ruled by the House of Saud since its recognition in 1932. It has a prosperous society due mainly to oil exports.

Being an Arab and an Islamic country, traditional values and cultural practices are adapted into the legal prohibitions, which is applicable even to non-Muslims who are in Saudi Arabia. Non-Muslims are forbidden from publicly practicing their faith, although they are free to do so in the privacy of their own homes. Alcoholic beverages and pork products are prohibited. Foreigners are expected to follow local custom especially in public places. Dress should be in accordance with Islamic laws, and is closely monitored by the religious police who are responsible for the enforcement of the dress code.

Saudi men wear the traditional dress called “thobe” that cover the entire body with a checkered head cloth called “keffiyeh.” This flowing robe-like traditional dress is worn white- or light-colored in warm weather and dark-colored in cool weather. Regardless of occupation and social standing, all Saudi men wear a “thobe.”  A “thobe” and head covering may seem to be lot clothing, but they are ideal for Saudi Arabia’s dry climate, and as a protection from sandstorms.

Women must not wear clothes that reveal anything about her body. They wear in public the black-colored, full-body “abaya” and the black headpiece called “niqab” which covers the entire face and body, leaving a small slit opening for the eyes.

Although foreign men are not required to wear a “thobe” and a headdress, they must wear conservative clothes. The standard dress code for foreign men is long trousers and long-sleeved shirts. Foreign women are required to wear an “abaya” with or without a headpiece. Although the wearing of a headpiece is optional, it is better to bring one along to avoid harassment from the religious police or as a means of avoiding the attention of aggravated men.