What would a western woman need to wear in Saudi Arabia?

Question

I'm an American woman who will be traveling to Saudi Arabia for business. I'll mostly be with other westerners when I get there, but I do have to travel around. What do I need to wear to draw the least amount of attention to myself? I don't look Arab at all (I'm very very pale and have red hair,) but I will be a woman traveling alone. I'd be willing to wear anything that will keep me from having to talk to the religious police or anyone else for that matter.

Answer 1

every single clothing

Answer 2

wear Abaya (the black dress that covers your whole body)

and a black headscarf

if you're in Jeddah, don't worry about headscarf.. its fine without it

but in Riyadh covering your hear is something important to consider

usually the relegous police ignores if a non-muslim doesn't cover her head, I always see Westerners, Filipinos, Africans without a headscarf... and sometimes i see non-coverd saudis

I hope you enjoy your stay in Saudi

Answer 3

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you can get much information in this website, If you will check anyone blue link in website.

Answer 4

You need to wear an Abaya (black dress on top of your clothes).  You don't have to cover your hair and by the way the religious police can NEVER talk to you. They lost their influence with some new local regulations. No worries.

Let me know if you need any assistance. I live in Saudi

Answer 5

There is a black robe called an abaya that is pretty much standard for Westerners.

Answer 6

if a were you a can waer anything your a tourist.just tell the police that you have a business.

Answer 7

.....black long dress to cover your body and black headscarf....they call it "abaya" here.....every women wears it here and there's no excuse....but I've seen few british women walking without abaya on Al-Khobar commercial center or public areas but every people who have seen her stop and stared at her.......its like the first time they ever saw a woman without abaya.....lolz

Answer 8

An Abaya is the only requirement for Western women.  But it would be better if you wore hijab and Niqab as well so people don't stare at you. Also be aware that you need an male escort(Male family member) with you when you travel and have to be sponsored by your employer to enter Saudi Arabia. Don't talk to the men or a man's wife as that is rude.

Answer 9

Anti-bullet vest and sum AIDS shots... oh and a restraining order for the King

Answer 10

A FLAK JACKET

Answer 11

It's best to wear an abaya (black cloak) and a scarf if you are out in the streets.  Your host should (or your hotel can) provide you with these items, which you can get for less than $20 (or more than $1000.)

It depends a bit on where you are going.  In Jeddah, where I live, you can probably get away with a long, lightweight raincoat over trousers, if you prefer that to the abaya, but actually the abaya is easier and lighter than a coat might be.  If you are going to other areas of the country, the abaya and scarf are almost a must.

Saudi Arabia (and especially Jeddah) is full of people of all nationalities and colors, and  some Arabs are very fair redheads, like you.  Don't worry about looking different.  You'll also be pleasantly surprised by how many people speak English.

Regarding your last remark, you probably will have to talk to some people while you're there...

Email me (click the picture on the left) if you have any other questions or want more specific information.  (I'm American, too!)

Answer 12

Relax and lay back, there is nothing to be worried about, people are peaceful and friendly here, and there are a lot of foreigners from all continents.

All you need to wear is a black abaya and preferably  a head scarf, you will not be the center of attention since people are used to seeing foreign women on a daily basis.