The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now making headway as one of the top tourist destinations in the Middle East.

While the country has already embraced tourists from around the world, anyone visiting it should still be mindful that Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country that puts a lot of value on its cultures, beliefs, and traditions.

Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and traditions have been shaped by its position as a historic trade hub and the birthplace of Islam.

In recent years, the Kingdom has undergone a significant cultural transformation, evolving century-old customs to fit the contemporary world we live in today.

Saudi Arabia's culture put a lot of emphasis, especially on how local people dress when in public. As a visitor too, it’s important to respect these local traditions when it comes to dressing up during your holiday in Saudi Arabia:

With new social reforms in place, women tourists are now allowed to be in public without wearing a “hijab” or headscarf that was required before.

It’s very important, however, to wear modest clothing that would cover your knees and shoulders. It is advisable to not wear anything revealing when you’re out in public places to respect the local traditions.

The dress code in various places is dependent on individual establishments, some places are casual, others keen on sophistication. Places of worship specifically do require every visitor to dress modestly while visiting.

As a sign of respect for Muslim culture, especially when visiting a place of worship you need to wear an “abaya” or clothes that cover you completely.

It is recommended not to wear bikinis or short summer dresses when you’re out on the beaches in Saudi Arabia.

Always ask for the proper dress code when visiting public places. Clothing that’s too tight or see-through is also not appreciated anywhere in Saudi Arabia.

There are no restrictions on footwear in Saudi Arabia. But if you’re going to explore, you need to wear comfortable footwear like sandals or trainers, especially when the weather is hot.

Keep your makeup simple. Although it’s not prohibited to wear makeup in Saudi Arabia, it’s best to choose neutral palettes over bright ones.

Men are required to wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders and legs, so you need to avoid wearing shorts while out in public. Choose a comfortable pair of pants instead so that you can still move around with ease while going around the country. Avoid being shirtless in all circumstances.

Saudi Arabia is definitely a great place to visit as a tourist. But you also need to be mindful of the local traditions and meant to preserve the culture, history, and traditions of the country.

This will not only allow you to enjoy your trip but also show your respect to Saudi Arabia as one of its visitors.