Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»
Use the ablution area - this is reserved for the preparation of worship.
»
Touch the Holy Quran.
»
Extend your feet in front of you while sitting; tuck them underneath in a slouched kneeling position.
»
Speak in a loud voice, sing or whistle.
»
Take photographs of people praying.
Women
Dressing modestly has the following advantages: it attracts less attention, gets a warmer
welcome from the locals (who greatly appreciate a willingness to respect their customs),
and proves more comfortable in the heat. Dressing 'modestly' means covering knees, up-
per arms, shoulders and neckline in loose, climate-suitable clothing. Wearing a bra, slips
and petticoats under transparent clothing is a must. Carrying a hat or headscarf (which can
be slipped on when necessary, such as when visiting a mosque) is also a good idea.
As with anywhere, take your cues from those around you: if you're in a rural area and
all the women are in long, concealing dresses, you should dress conservatively. Dressing
modestly doesn't mean wearing local clothes which may result in you being mistaken for
a Muslim and the embarrassing consequences of that mistake. Women are only expected
to wear an
abeyya
(but not cover their hair) in Saudi Arabia.
On public beaches, women will attract less unwanted attention in shorts and a loose T-
shirt rather than in swimming costumes. Bikinis (except in tourist resorts) cause a local
sensation.
WHAT TO WEAR
WITH
WHAT
(WOMEN)?
WITH
WHAT
(MEN)?
COVER
WHAT?
WHERE?
face
• veil or mask
n/a
never, except for Muslims
•
abeyya
• headscarf
outside the house in Saudi Arabia; in mosques
elsewhere; some local weddings
whole body and hair
n/a
• suit and tie
• long trousers
• long-sleeved
shirt
• no sandals
lower leg, knees,
shoulders and chest/
cleavage
• suit and tie
• long trousers
• long-sleeved shirt
work environment in all countries
