Hello friends,
One of the most common question I get is: what should a woman wear when visiting Saudi Arabia? Because I am Saudi native, born here in Madinah, I hear this question many times. And yes, Saudi Arabia has changed a lot in the last years.
Before, many people think it was law that all women must wear niqab (covering the face, only eyes showing). This is still very common, you will see it everywhere, but now it is not legal requirement. Police will not stop you if you don’t wear it, especially if you are non-Muslim. Officially, the only request is modest dress. And now, it is officially now each woman’s choice – some women feel more comfortable to cover face, some only wear hijab, and some choose just abaya without scarf. You will see all of these in the street.
But what is modest? I explain like this:
- Sleeves longer than the elbow.
- Skirts or pants past the knee.
- No cleavage.
- Loose clothing, baggy style, so you cannot really see the shape of woman body.
I have seen tourists wear spaghetti straps or mini skirts, but honestly this is not respectful. It is better to choose clothes that make you blend in, not draw attention. Subdued colors are best – black is most common, but also dark blue or dark green is fine. A headscarf is nice, especially in Madinah, but not necessary in cities like Riyadh or Jeddah.
In Madinah, even though it is holy city, you will see more variation. This is because Muslims come from all over the world for pilgrimage. The usual “uniform” for prayer is black abaya, covering to wrists and ankles. Many women also wear hijab (headscarf) and sometimes niqab. It is about showing respect in holy places.
In Riyadh, the capital, you will see many tourists, but also many Saudi women prefer traditional dress. This means abaya, hijab, and often niqab covering the face. For visitors, it can feel more restrictive than Madinah, because in Riyadh the culture is more conservative. But still, as non-Muslim, you are not forced to cover face. And even for Saudi women, it is now personal choice — some follow tradition, some prefer modern style.
🌸 My own story: When I go with my children to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, I always wear black abaya and scarf. For me, it feel respectful and also comfortable, because everyone around is dressed similar. But when I travel to Jeddah, I choose lighter abaya, sometimes dark blue, and I cover my hair, but I don’t cover my face. I feel more free there, and nobody look at me strange. So really, it depend on the place and also how you feel inside. Every woman now can decide for herself, and this is big change in Saudi life.
So my advice: when you visit Saudi Arabia, wear modest clothes, choose darker colors, and carry a scarf with you. In Madinah, it will help you feel comfortable near the mosque. In Riyadh, it will help you show respect. And remember, Saudi Arabia is changing, but tradition is still strong, and every woman can choose how she want to dress.
I hope this help you understand better. When you come, you will see with your own eyes the mix of old and new.
Sending you peace, Rana
