Do expats have to wear abaya in Saudi Arabia?

Since 2019 it is no longer compulsory for women to cover their hair and wear an Abaya in Saudi Arabia which means that foreign women do not need to wear an Abaya or cover their hair. This change in law is really good for non-Muslim woman visiting Saudi Arabia because it means you are more free to wear what you want.

What do expats wear in Saudi Arabia?

Men and women are required to dress modestly, refrain from public displays of affection, and avoid using profane language or gestures. Women are required to dress modestly, meaning cover your shoulders and knees. No sleevless shirts or short dresses, a modest choice of clothing is what you should opt for.

Can a woman wear pants in Saudi Arabia?

What should female tourists wear in Saudi Arabia? Skirts below the knee are technically allowed for tourists, but we would still suggest wearing a long skirt or loose-fitting trousers. Blouses and tops should also be loose-fitting, with longer sleeves and high necklines. No underwear should be visible.

Is it mandatory to wear hijab in Saudi?

The Qur’an instructs Muslim women and men to dress modestly. Some Islamic legal systems define this type of modest clothing as covering everything except the face and hands up to the wrists. Wearing hijab in public is not required by law in Saudi Arabia.

Why do Saudis wear head covering?

During cooler temperatures, heavier headdresses can fulfil the reverse function and keep the body warm. As such, the prevailing desert climates of the Middle East, this piece of clothing is essential to protecting people from the sun, sandstorms and the dramatic drop in temperature overnight.

Why do Saudis wear white robes?

In Saudi Arabia, this is also called a thawb. This tends to be white as this is the coolest colour to wear in the desert heat, but brown, black or grey are seen more in winter months. These were traditionally worn to protect the head and face from the desert heat and sand.

Why do Saudis dress like that?

Wearing a loose-fitting thobe ensures men are properly covered and modest in their attire. It also ensures that they are suitably dressed for the Islamic prayer which is read five times per day.

Are jeans acceptable in Saudi Arabia?

You can wear jeans but you should ensure that whatever you are wearing on your top half is long enough to cover your bum. This is why, in many ways, it is just easier to wear an abaya or long kaftan over your clothes when out in public.

What is the dress code for women in Saudi Arabia?

Women in Saudi Arabia are to wear an Abaya when they go out for work or at a public place. They are not required to cover their heads or face, yet have to wear a loose cloak over their shoulders. Expat women, also have to abide by the same rule.

Do I need to wear an abaya in Saudi Arabia?

In late 2019 it was announced that women do no longer need to wear an Abaya in Saudi Arabia. This was at the same time that the tourism e-visa for Saudi Arabia came into place. I have met foreign women, ex-pats specifically, who stopped wearing an Abaya in Saudi Arabia at that time in Jeddah and Riyadh.

Why do women have to wear black hijabs at work in Saudi Arabia?

Why do women have to wear black hijabs at work in Saudi Arabia? Women in Saudi Arabia are to wear an Abaya when they go out for work or at a public place. They are not required to cover their heads or face, yet have to wear a loose cloak over their shoulders. Expat women, also have to abide by the same rule.

Should women wear headscarves in public in Saudi Arabia?

Public-decency laws state that clothing must cover knees and shoulders, but there is no legal requirement for women to wear a headscarf or an abaya (a loose-fitting black or dark robe covering the clothes) in public. However, doing so can make it easier to blend in and avoid unwanted attention, especially in more conservative cities such as Riyadh.