Saudi Arabia is one of the most religious countries in the Middle East. Tourists traveling to this state should remember that the customs and traditions existing there differ from European ones. Therefore, respecting the laws of Muslim society, visitors should adhere to certain rules. Especially it concerns clothes. So, let's find out how to dress tourists in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is one of the most religious countries in the Middle East. Tourists traveling to this state should remember that the customs and traditions existing there differ from European ones. Therefore, respecting the laws of Muslim society, visitors should adhere to certain rules. Especially it concerns clothes. So, let's find out how to dress tourists in Saudi Arabia.
What clothes should I bring?
Since the climate in Saudi Arabia is very hot, it is better to wear light summer clothes on the territory of the hotel . Do not forget about the headdress, which is simply necessary in order to protect yourself from scorching sunlight.
If you want to go outside the hotel and go to the city, you will have to observe tough local traditions. As a rule, dressing tourists in Saudi Arabia should be very modest. Otherwise, the religious police (mutawwa) will pay attention to you, and this is fraught with troubles right up to deportation from the country. In addition, very often tourists in inappropriate clothes face aggression of local residents. In public places, men should be dressed in trousers and a shirt even on the hottest days, and when visiting the mosque, the head should be covered with a special headdress - "arafatka".
How to dress in Saudi Arabia for women?
Ladies coming to rest or on business in this Muslim country, must strictly observe its laws in terms of clothing. Women are not allowed to wear too open clothes, short skirts and shorts. Unacceptable clothing that reveals arms above the elbow (in fact, this applies not only to women, but also to men).
The presence of body piercings and tattoos is not welcome. There are cases when tourists were not allowed to enter Arabia because of punctures on the face.
In public places a girl over 12 years old, regardless of her religion, can appear only in an abay - a loose dress-cape that is put on top of clothes and completely covers her legs and hands. For tourists there are no such strict restrictions, however, if a woman wants to enter the mosque, then her hair must be covered with a handkerchief. So you will observe the rules of decency and modesty, and also ensure your personal safety.
It should be remembered that women are allowed on the territory of Saudi Arabia only accompanied by a male relative or if the traveler is met at the airport by the sponsor of her trip.