Is hijab mandatory in Saudi Arabia?
James Williams
Updated on April 19, 2026
Since 2019, the hijab or any other form of head covering is not required in Saudi Arabia. At one time, Saudi Arabian dress code used to require all women, local and foreign, to wear an abaya, a garment that covers the body and arms in public.
Do you have to wear a hijab in Saudi Arabia?
The hijab and niqab are optional for both Saudi and tourist women. Women must dress modestly at all times, covering their knees and shoulders. Although the abayais optional, you will need to wear it while entering mosques, in respect of the Muslim culture.Is hijab mandatory in Riyadh?
According to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, it is not mandatory for women visiting the country to wear an abaya or hijab. Women visiting Saudi Arabia will no longer need to wear an abaya.Is hijab mandatory in Qatar?
Dress in QatarWomen do not need to cover their heads, faces or wear a hijab or abaya, but they are expected to dress modestly so as not to offend the local community.