Why do the people of Saudi Arabia dress like this?

Some men opt to wear a thobe and ghutra in a darker colour such as beige or grey in winter. On special occasions, men might wear a bisht or mislah, a long cloak trimmed in gold, over their thobe. Underneath the ghutra men wear a tagiyah, a small white cap which prevents the ghutra from slipping. This compromises of a long flowing robe, which is often white and a ghutra, a white or red and white checked headdress held in place by a double black cord known as an iqal. Whilst some men have adopted western fashions most men still tend to wear traditional Saudi Arabian dress on a daily basis. Women and girls might wear elaborate golden headdresses as well as beautiful necklaces and earrings. Image courtesy maradaisy via DepositphotosĮven before the abaya, women wore long black dresses embroidered with multi-coloured emblems and decorated with coins. Some Saudi women wear a full-face veil, such as a niqab (eyes are visible) or a burqa (even the eyes are covered) others opt for a chador (the full face is visible, but the hair is tightly covered) or hijab (a looser headscarf). Some local women have now abandoned the abaya, but most still wear it. Until very recently all women, whether they were visitors, residents or citizens, were required to cover their heads and wear an abaya (a long loose-fitting robe) when out in public and this was enforced by the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. This is largely due to the branch of Islam that is predominant in different areas, some such as Wahhabism, being more conservative than others. This change is occurring more rapidly in some cities, like Jeddah and Damman, than in others, such as Riyadh. The way that women dress in Saudi Arabia is changing. What do local women in Saudi Arabia wear?

More frequently asked questions about clothing in Saudi Arabia.

What should children wear in Saudi Arabia?.

What should visiting men wear in Saudi Arabia?.

What should female tourists wear in Saudi Arabia?.

What do local men wear in Saudi Arabia?.

What do local women in Saudi Arabia wear?.

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