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Saudi Arabia has relaxed significantly in recent years, but it is still a conservative country with a hot climate. What you pack matters more here than in most destinations. Get the clothing wrong and you will be uncomfortable, either from the heat or from unwanted attention. Forget sun protection and you will regret it within hours. This guide covers everything you need to bring, what to leave at home, and how to dress appropriately for every situation.
Saudi Arabia's dress code has changed dramatically since 2019. The religious police (mutawa) no longer patrol public spaces enforcing clothing rules, and the legal requirements have been loosened considerably. But cultural expectations still exist, and what is acceptable varies depending on where you are, who you are with, and what you are doing.
The general principle is modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for both men and women. This is not just a cultural preference but reflects the practical reality of a conservative society. You will not be arrested for wearing shorts in a mall, but you may receive disapproving looks or be asked to cover up in certain places.
Context matters enormously. Riyadh is more conservative than Jeddah. A compound or international hotel pool has completely different norms than a public street. A traditional restaurant in Diriyah expects more modesty than a cafe in Boulevard Riyadh City. When in doubt, err on the side of covering more rather than less.
For women specifically, the abaya (the loose black robe) is no longer legally required in public. Many Saudi women still wear one by choice, and many foreign women do not. However, an abaya is still required for entering mosques and is strongly expected at certain government offices and traditional areas. Having one with you is practical even if you do not wear it daily.
Head covering for women is not required by law for non-Muslims, though it is expected when entering mosques. Some older or more conservative Saudis may appreciate the gesture in traditional settings.
Packing as a woman for Saudi Arabia requires more thought than for most destinations, but the rules are less restrictive than many people assume. The key is having options for different levels of formality and conservatism.
Loose-fitting trousers or long skirts (below the knee, ideally ankle-length) paired with tops that cover the shoulders and upper arms work in nearly all situations. Maxi dresses and long tunics over trousers are excellent choices. Avoid tight-fitting or see-through clothing. Light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are essential in the heat. Neutral and muted colors draw less attention than bright patterns, though this is a preference rather than a rule.
In modern areas of Riyadh and Jeddah (malls, restaurants, entertainment zones), the dress code is more relaxed. You will see Saudi women in designer outfits, jeans, and colorful abayas. T-shirts with sleeves that cover the shoulder and jeans that cover the knee are generally fine in these settings. Crop tops, shorts, and low-cut necklines are not appropriate in any public setting.
Bring one lightweight abaya or plan to buy one locally. You can purchase excellent quality abayas in Saudi Arabia at much better prices than abroad (150-500 SAR for a good everyday one from brands like Styli or Max Fashion, more for designer versions). An abaya is mandatory for entering mosques, useful at government offices, and appreciated in conservative neighborhoods. Modern abayas come in colors beyond black and can be quite stylish. A simple black one is the most versatile choice.
Pack at least one lightweight scarf or shawl. You will need it for mosque visits and it doubles as sun protection in the desert. A simple cotton or chiffon scarf in a neutral color works perfectly. You do not need to wear one in everyday life.
If you are staying at an international hotel or on a private compound, standard swimwear is fine at their pools and private beaches. For public beaches (which are increasingly common, especially in Jeddah and NEOM), one-piece swimsuits or modest swimwear are more appropriate. Some public beaches have women-only areas or times. Bring a cover-up for walking to and from the pool or beach.
Men have it simpler in terms of dress code, but the heat demands careful fabric choices. The cultural expectation is less strict than for women, but there are still norms worth following.
Light trousers (chinos, linen pants) and collared shirts or polo shirts work in most situations. T-shirts are fine in casual settings like malls and restaurants. Shorts are increasingly acceptable in modern, international areas (malls, entertainment zones, hotel grounds) but should be at or below the knee. Very short athletic shorts are not appropriate in public.
Jeans are fine year-round but can be uncomfortably hot in summer. Linen and cotton trousers are much better choices. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, which is both culturally unusual and impractical in the heat. Sleeveless shirts (tank tops, vests) are acceptable at hotels and gyms but not in public areas.
If you are in Saudi Arabia for work, pack a suit or blazer for formal meetings. Saudi business culture can be quite formal, though it depends on the industry and company. Tech companies and startups tend to be casual, while government meetings and banking expect full business attire. A tie is less common than in Western business settings but having one does not hurt.
Men should wear long trousers (not shorts) and a shirt that covers the shoulders when visiting mosques. Shoes are removed at the entrance, so wear something easy to slip off. Modest, clean clothing is expected.
Saudi winter catches many first-time visitors off guard. Riyadh daytime temperatures hover around 20-25°C (68-77°F), which is pleasant, but nights drop to 5-12°C (41-54°F). The desert gets genuinely cold after dark, and you will need layers. Pack a medium-weight jacket or warm sweater for evenings. Jeddah stays warmer (24-29°C / 75-84°F) and rarely needs more than a light layer.
If you are visiting the mountains (Abha, Taif, Al Baha), winter temperatures can drop near freezing. Pack a proper warm jacket, a fleece or sweater, and closed-toe shoes. Fog is common in the Asir mountains during winter mornings.
Summer packing is about survival. Light, loose, breathable fabrics are not optional. Cotton and linen in light colors are your best friends. Synthetic performance fabrics that wick sweat also work well. Pack twice as many tops as you think you need because you will change shirts more often than usual.
The critical item most people forget: a light layer for indoor spaces. Saudi Arabia compensates for its brutal outdoor heat with aggressive air conditioning. Shopping malls, offices, and restaurants are often cooled to 18-20°C (64-68°F). Walking from 45°C (113°F) sunshine into a freezing mall is a shock, and you can genuinely catch a cold from the constant temperature swings. A light cardigan, hoodie, or pashmina is essential year-round.
These shoulder months are the easiest to pack for. Daytime is warm (28-36°C / 82-97°F) and evenings are comfortable. Light clothing works during the day, with a thin layer for evenings in Riyadh. Spring brings occasional sandstorms, so having a scarf or buff to cover your nose and mouth is useful in March and April.
This section is not optional reading. Saudi Arabia sits between 16°N and 32°N latitude with minimal cloud cover for most of the year. The UV index regularly reaches 10-11+ (extreme) in summer. Sunburn can happen in under 20 minutes of direct exposure. Even in winter, the UV index is moderate to high.
Bring a good reusable water bottle (at least 750ml, ideally 1 liter). You need to drink far more water in Saudi Arabia than you are used to. In summer, the recommendation is 3-4 liters per day minimum, more if you are active outdoors. Dehydration sneaks up on you because the dry air evaporates sweat instantly, so you do not realize how much fluid you are losing. Tap water is safe in major cities but most people drink bottled water. Large bottles (1.5L) cost 1-2 SAR at any convenience store.
If you are doing a desert safari, dune bashing, or camping at Edge of the World or the Empty Quarter, pack closed-toe shoes or boots (sand gets everywhere in sandals), a lightweight long-sleeved shirt for sun protection, a scarf or buff to cover your face during windy conditions, and a warm layer for evenings since desert temperatures drop sharply after sunset. A headlamp or flashlight is useful for camping. Leave valuables and delicate electronics behind since sand gets into everything.
For Red Sea beach trips and diving in areas like Jeddah, Yanbu, or the emerging NEOM coast, pack reef-safe sunscreen (many Saudi dive sites have coral reefs), water shoes for rocky entries, a rash guard for sun protection during snorkeling, and a waterproof phone case. If you are a diver, most dive centers provide equipment, but bringing your own mask and snorkel ensures a good fit.
If you are visiting mosques or performing Umrah, men need ihram garments (two white unstitched cotton cloths) which can be purchased locally in Mecca or Medina for 50-150 SAR. Women need a full-coverage outfit that is not tight-fitting, plus a head covering. For mosque visits, slip-on shoes are practical since you remove footwear at every entrance. Socks are useful if the marble floors are cold (winter) or scorching (summer).
The Asir mountains and Taif region offer genuine hiking opportunities with cooler temperatures. Pack proper hiking shoes with ankle support, a rain layer (the Asir mountains get rainfall, especially in summer), and layers for temperature changes at altitude. The terrain is rocky and uneven, and trail infrastructure is less developed than in Europe or North America. A lightweight daypack with water is essential.
Business attire in Saudi Arabia is generally formal. Men should pack at least one full suit, dress shirts, and dress shoes. A blazer with smart trousers covers most semi-formal situations. Women should pack professional outfits that cover shoulders and knees. Keep in mind that you will move between extremely hot outdoor environments and cold indoor offices, so layers work better than heavy single pieces.
Saudi Arabia uses Type G power plugs (the same three-pronged rectangular pins used in the United Kingdom). The voltage is 220V at 60Hz. If you are coming from a country with different plugs, you will need an adapter.
Important: VPN apps are a gray area in Saudi Arabia. Many VoIP services (like the calling features of WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype) have historically been blocked, though restrictions have been eased in recent years. Having a VPN downloaded before arrival is a common precaution among expats and visitors, though officially VPNs that circumvent content restrictions are not endorsed.
Saudi Arabia runs primarily on card payments. Visa and Mastercard are accepted virtually everywhere, including small shops, taxis, and street food vendors via mada (the Saudi payment network). Carrying large amounts of cash is unnecessary.
Saudi Arabia has modern pharmacies (notably Nahdi and Al Dawaa chains) stocked with international brands, so you can buy most over-the-counter items locally. However, bringing your personal essentials avoids the hassle of finding specific brands or dealing with Arabic-only labeling.
Saudi Arabia has strict customs regulations. Some items that are perfectly normal in other countries will get you into serious trouble here. Customs enforcement is thorough, especially at airports.
No, it is no longer legally required for women (including Saudi women) to wear an abaya in public. However, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is expected. An abaya is still required for entering mosques and is the practical default in very conservative areas. Many foreign women in Saudi Arabia do not wear one in everyday life, especially in modern commercial areas.
Knee-length shorts are generally acceptable in modern commercial areas, malls, entertainment zones, hotels, and compounds. Very short athletic shorts or swimwear-style shorts are not appropriate in public. Longer shorts or cropped trousers are the safest choice if you want to stay cool while being culturally appropriate. In traditional neighborhoods and government buildings, long trousers are expected.
Saudi Arabia uses Type G plugs (the three-pronged rectangular pins used in the UK). The voltage is 220V at 60Hz. If you are coming from the US, Europe, or most Asian countries, you will need an adapter. Many international hotels have universal outlets, but bring your own adapter to be safe. USB chargers rated for 100-240V input (most modern chargers) work fine with just a plug adapter.
Most common prescription medications are allowed if you carry them in original packaging with a prescription label. However, some medications that are legal elsewhere are controlled or banned in Saudi Arabia, including certain painkillers (codeine, tramadol), ADHD medications (amphetamine-based), and some anti-anxiety drugs. Check with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) before traveling, and carry a doctor's letter describing your condition and medication.
Saudi Arabia has excellent shopping with major international brands and local options. Abayas, scarves, and lightweight desert-appropriate clothing are cheaper and better quality locally than abroad. Malls like The Avenues (Riyadh), Red Sea Mall (Jeddah), and Mall of Dhahran have everything from Zara to luxury brands. If you want to pack light, you can easily buy what you need after arrival. Prices are comparable to Europe for international brands, and local fashion brands can be quite affordable.
Sunscreen is widely available at Saudi pharmacies (Nahdi, Al Dawaa) and supermarkets. International brands like Neutrogena, La Roche-Posay, and Nivea are all sold. However, if you have a specific brand or formulation you prefer, bring it. Having sunscreen from day one is important since you will need it immediately, even for the taxi ride from the airport if it is daytime.
Most commercially packaged food is allowed, but pork products are strictly prohibited. This includes anything containing pork-derived gelatin or lard. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and uncooked meat have restrictions. Customs may inspect food items, and anything containing pork will be confiscated. Check ingredient labels carefully before packing snacks or specialty foods.
Now that you know what to pack, explore our other guides to prepare for your Saudi Arabia trip.
