It is essential to choose clothing that adheres to cultural requirements and the climate while planning to travel to Saudi Arabia. Knowing what to wear in Saudi Arabia will not only make you feel comfortable with ummrah package but also show respect to the local culture. Here is a quick guide suggesting some great packing advice that will help you enjoy your stay in the country.
How Should Women Dress in Saudi Arabia?
Women are to wear modest dress that covers the shoulder, arm, and leg area. Overdress in public is a covering that the abaya is seen, which women can slip over ordinary clothes. Some colors like black, navy, and beiges easily make women blend into the surroundings effortlessly.
- Loosely flowing neutral-colored abayas.
- Loosely fitting tops and bottoms that cover the arms and legs,
- Headscarves, for added coverage
What Does the Ideal Male Attire Look Like in Saudi Arabia?
Men should also have modest clothing, especially in stricter areas. Lightweight material is essential as Saudi Arabia is hot. Men can wear long sleeve shirts and pants that cover up the entire body. For formal events, it’s best to wear kandura or thobe, traditional clothing for a male, as a gesture of cultural awareness.
Casual: Lightweight shirts and trousers
Formal Wear: Kandura or thobe
Shoes and Accessories: Comfortable footwear is essential for desert terrain and city walking.
How Should You Adjust Your Wardrobe to the Saudi Climate?
Saudi Arabia’s climate differs by area and season. Some areas experience hot summertime and cool winter. In the summer, you would be comfortable with light and flowing clothes to keep cool. In the winter, especially if you are in desert or northern countries, a light jacket or sweater to warm the body is ideal. Choose layers to change according to changing temperatures easily.
Can You Do A Western Dress?
If wearing Western-style clothing is okay, it should be modest. For women, no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or anything too tight. For men, jeans and T-shirts are fine if the shoulders and knees are covered, and according to general modest dress guidelines, a woman’s outfit should be covered on the arms and legs.
Are Accessories and Jewelry All Right?
Accessories like jewelry, hats, and sunglasses are okay, though it is wise to limit these to an absolute minimum. For the lady, simple jewelry will be an addition over her abaya, while guys should also not dote on jewelry too much because that’s not the Saudi way. Sunglasses and hats protect against the harsh desert sun.
What Kind of Footwear Works Best?
Since you will likely be walking on different types of landscapes, including city streets, desert spaces, and older markets, you might prefer comfortable closed-toe shoes or sandals. Flats or sandals for women, loafers or comfortable sneakers for men-avoid high heels as they will punish you severely on uneven ground.
Can Tourists Wear Traditional Saudi Attire?
Other travelers wear Saudi traditional outfit as a sign of appreciation of the society. A man can dress in a thobe and head covering called ghutra, while a female may don a hijab on. However, this is optional, and tourists should only wear it if they are comfortable with the thought.
Many women travelers purchase an abaya at arrival, which they can obtain at shops everywhere.
What Do You Need to Do When Visiting Religious Sites?
Be conspicuous by covering your body entirely. Ladies wear an abaya and carry a headscarf along. For men, wear long pants, but don’t look like slobs with T-shirts plastered on their backsides that have yet more advertising and slogans printed on the T-shirt.
What Does the Dress Code Mean for Eating and Other Social Functions?
Social gathering and restaurants typically call for a slightly dressier attire. Women can wear their abaya with modest jewelry, while males will be wearing long pants and a clean shirt. More formal restaurants may call for semi-formal; if so, look the night ahead of time and know before you go.
Summary
In reality, the dress code policies would be relaxed in an urban center like Riyadh and Jeddah; however, in rural or more conservative areas, they would want you to follow traditional dressing norms more strictly. Make sure always to carry an abaya along and a headscarf when traveling to the rural territories. The men, too, should dress in a very conservative manner and adhere to traditional attire guidelines to the maximum extent possible, as well.
