The Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, and so there are expectations for how visitors should dress. It is important that the foreign visitors and expats respect the culture and adhere to an existing male and female dress code of Saudi Arabia.
The public decorum regulation which came into force on Nov. 2, 2019 defines public decency laws and mentions about the laws setting out the dress code to be followed in the public for both male and female. The Kingdom is encouraging tourists, residents and visitors to familiarize themselves with public decency laws in order to avoid fines.
1️⃣ Men and Women Dress Code in Saudi Arabia
As per the public decorum regulation 2019
- Men and women are required to dress modestly which is not revealing and not too short.
- Men and Women must not dress in outfits with photos, figures, signs or phrases violating common decency.
- Women are required to cover shoulders and knees in public, but they are free to choose a modest choice of clothing.
- Both men and women are forbidden from wearing clothing in public that contains words, images, or symbols that support racism or prejudice, or that endorse porn or drug usage
🚺Women Dress Code in Saudi Arabia
Is Abaya or Hijab Compulsory for visitors in Saudi Arabia?
The traditional black, long gown known as the Abaya, which Saudi Arabian women wear, is not required to be worn by the visitors, but it is highly recommended to be worn as a respect to Saudi Arabian Culture. Both Saudi Arabian and expat women are free to wear the hijab and niqab. Although the abayas are optional, you will need to wear it while entering mosques, in respect of the Muslim culture.
Wearing Short Dresses, tight clothes and Bikinis in Public
- Sleeveless shirts, short dresses, loose tops, short bottoms, crop tops and miniskirts are strictly not allowed.
- Night clothes, under garments or anything that is inappropriate to be worn in public must be avoided.
- Bikinis, which are common among westerners, are taboo in Saudi Arabia, even on the beaches.
- Make sure the cloth is not see-through and is not too tight on you.
🚹Men Dress Code in Saudi Arabia
Is Thobe or Thobe Compulsory for Men?
The traditional Arabic clothing, known as the thobe or thawb, is neither compulsory for foreign men nor for Saudi Men.
Men Wearing Shorts, Sleeveless Shirts in Public Places
- Wearing shorts for men in Public governmental offices and Mosques is not allowed and optional in other places
- Men must not be shirtless under any circumstances.
Men Wearing Gold
Men wearing jewellery, particularly gold rings, gold bracelets, gold necklaces, etc., is considered inappropriate in Saudi Arabia
2️⃣ Fines for Wearing Improper Clothing in Public
The Public decorum charter lists the following fines for wearing indecent clothing In case of repeated violations, the fine is usually doubled
VIOLATION | FIRST-TIME VIOLATION | REPEATED VIOLATION | |
1 | Wearing improper clothing in public places. The dress code for visitors of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must be in accordance with the standards set for such purposes. | SAR 100.00 | SAR 200.00 |
2 | Wearing underwear and sleepwear. | SAR 100.00 | SAR 200.00 |
3 | Wearing clothes in public that bear profane language, obscene images or symbols. | SAR 100.00 | SAR 200.00 |
4 | Wearing clothes in public that bear language, images, or symbols that encourage discrimination or racism, or promote porn or drug use. | SAR 500.00 | SAR 1,000.00 |
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