Visiting Saudi Arabia as a Woman

If you are considering visiting Saudi Arabia as a woman you might be unsure of what to expect, you might even feel a little uneasy at the thought especially if you are travelling alone or if you have never been before.

As a woman, it’s understandable that you might be wondering what to expect when visiting Saudi Arabia. The good news is that Saudi Arabia is safe for women travellers.

More than that it’s a really good tourist destination! There are plenty of things to see and do in the country while you are there such as visiting the stunning landscape of Al Ula, Madinah Saleh, Rijal Almaa, Riyadh Boulevard or the seaside city of Jeddah.

Of course, as with any destination, there are certain customs and traditions that you should be aware of before travelling to Saudi Arabia and there are a number of things that you can do to ensure your safety while in the country while also making sure to respect the rules and traditions of Saudi.

 

Rules for Women in Saudi Arabia

There are a few things that you should know before travelling to Saudi Arabia as a woman.

First and foremost, it is important to remember that Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country and as such, they have certain rules in place for women travellers.

One of the most important things to remember is that you must dress modestly while in the country. This means covering your arms and legs and wearing clothes that are not tight-fitting or revealing.

Women visitors who travel to Saudi are not required to have a guardian – this is a common myth.

It’s important, therefore, to understand that there are rules for women in Saudi even if they don’t always apply to you as a tourist. It’s especially important to understand that there are also a lot of misconceptions about travelling to Saudi as a women

The key thing to remember is that it’s about respecting the culture of the country you are visiting. That doesn’t mean that people are right when they say there is very little women can do in Saudi Arabia.

Contrary to what people believe there is a lot that women can do in Saudi, including driving a car, visiting sights, meeting friends in restaurants, going to various entertainment sights and places and generally just enjoying their travels. Women in Saudi can start a business, travel, and hold a job. You can even listen to Western music when you are in Saudi! – did you hear about MDL Beast in Saudi? (all the hottest DJs were there).

 

What to Wear in Saudi as a Woman?

 

As mentioned before, it is important to dress modestly while in Saudi Arabia. This means covering your arms and legs and wearing clothes that are not tight-fitting or revealing.

It is also a good idea to wear an abaya especially when wearing a sleeveless dress – although you don’t have to. It will show locals that you are respecting their customs.

When it comes to what to wear in Saudi as a woman, there is no need to go overboard – simply make sure that you are covered up and not showing too much skin.

 

What to Pack for Saudi as a Woman?

When packing for Saudi Arabia, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. The fact is that you will need to dress modestly, you will also have to dress for the weather and it will be HOT.

This means packing loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. But don’t be fooled – evenings can be cool so it’s good to have a warm jacket if you happen to go in January or February.

As I mentioned before you will have to pack for the heat and therefore make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

Saudi women are stylish and you will see them in beautiful abayas. If you want to buy an abaya while in Saudi, it is a good idea to wait until you are actually in the country as you will have a better selection and you will be able to bargain for a better price.

 

What NOT to do in Saudi Arabia as a Woman

There are a few things that you should avoid doing while in Saudi Arabia as a woman.

First and foremost, you should avoid dressing in a way that is considered to be revealing or provocative. This means avoiding tight-fitting or revealing clothing, and it also means avoiding shorts, skirts, and tank tops.

In addition, you should also avoid taking photos of people without their permission.

Finally, you should also avoid drinking alcohol (you won’t find any alcohol in public places) or engaging in any other activities that are considered to be illegal in Saudi Arabia.

Therefore what are my top tips for travelling to Saudi Arabia as a woman?

1. Do your research before you go
2. Dress modestly and pack for the heat
3. Avoid taking photos of people without their permission
4. Avoid drinking alcohol or engaging in any other activities that are considered to be illegal in Saudi Arabia.
5. Remember that you are a guest in Saudi Arabia and be respectful of the local customs and traditions.
6. Have fun and enjoy your time in Saudi Arabia!

Saudi Arabia is a beautiful country with lots for you to see and do, so above all else make sure you enjoy it.

Soak up the culture, and enjoy meeting local people. Visit the historic landmarks, enjoy the local food and make memories that will mean you want to come back and visit Saudi Arabia time and time again!

Let me know your thoughts on visiting Saudi in the comments below? I would love to hear if there is something that had surprised you? Has this post helped answer some of your main questions about travelling to Saudi?