What to wear in Saudi Arabia: business and visitor guide
Key takeaways
- Modest clothing is expected in public places
- Business attire is conservative
- Traditional Saudi dress is a source of pride
Clothing in Saudi Arabia reflects local values of modesty and dignity. Visitors are welcome to dress in their own style as long as it is modest and respectful.
Traditional Saudi dress
- Thobe: the long garment worn by men, usually white in summer
- Shemagh or ghutra: the head cloth, red-and-white or white, held by the black agal
- Bisht: a cloak worn on formal occasions
- Abaya: the elegant outer garment worn by many Saudi women
Business attire for visitors
Men usually wear suits or smart trousers with a shirt. Women wear loose, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; many visitors choose long sleeves and long skirts or trousers.
General tips
- Cover shoulders and knees in public places
- Avoid clothing with offensive words or images
- Dress more conservatively when visiting religious sites or government offices
Frequently asked questions
Do foreign women need to wear an abaya?
An abaya is not required for foreign visitors, but modest and respectful dress is expected in public.
What do people wear on National Day?
Many people wear green and traditional clothing, and some combine the national colours with the thobe or abaya.
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