“Do I have to wear a headscarf?”
“It’s hot, am I allowed to wear shorts?”
What is and isn’t appropriate to wear in the Middle East is a valid question for those who haven’t been before – or who are travelling somewhere new in the area. From Morocco all the way to Oman, answering the questions many female travelers pose, what is appropriate for weather and culture to wear in a Middle Eastern country.
The Middle East is a vast region encompassing many countries and spanning continents. While many of the countries listed share common languages, cultural traditions and religions, even still, each one has it’s nuances. While some countries may even have laws in place on what is and isn’t appropriate to wear.
As a general rule for most of these countries, it’s best to follow these guidelines as a dress code for what to wear in the Middle East:
- Cover up cleavage and shoulders
- Keep hem lengths below the knees
- Don’t wear anything too tight (it’s hot – it’ll be uncomfortable anyways!)
Whether you are travelling for a desert safari, cruising down the nile, scuba diving in the red sea or visiting some of the most beautiful mosques in the world – there’s some advice in here for you!
I’ve collaborated with some fellow female travel bloggers to bring you short guides on what to wear in many of the countries in the Middle East and will continue to evolve and get more country specific advice with time!
What to wear in Morocco
Contributed by Suzy from Suzy Stories – see more of her advice on what to wear in Marrakech
When visiting Morocco your first clue on what to wear will likely come from observing the locals. Mirroring their own dress code is a good way to fit right in, you really can’t go too wrong with that approach!
For a little more preparation beforehand, there are a few easy tips to remember when packing for your trip. Moroccan dress standards expect modesty from women: Be sure to cover your shoulders as a priority, as well as your knees. Ideally avoid exposing your midriff too.
With the combination of a dry, hot climate and covered skin, you’ll want to find clothes that cover without weighing you down or stick close to the body. This makes loose, flowing trousers or maxi skirts the perfect bottom to mix and match for almost any outfit! On top, t-shirts and layered tops are a welcome option to provide enough ventilation to keep you cool, while respecting the culture.
What to wear in Egypt
Check this out for outfit ideas and inspiration on what to wear in Egypt
Egypt is an interesting mix of both traditional and modern dress. You’re just as likely to see women in an abaya as you are to see one in tight jeans. As a visitor, what to wear in Egypt can vary depending on your city of choice – Cairo is more conservative than say Hurghada. Overall, though Egypt is more modern than some of it’s neighbours, but there are still some cultural, traditional and religious sensitivities to be aware of.
While at many of the tourist hotspots or beach resorts you’ll see women covering to varying degrees; everything from shorts and bikinis to long dresses and burkinis. For both comfort, style and modesty, my advice is it’s best to err on the side of modesty. It’s important for you to be comfortable, but also to be respectful of the local Egypt dress code norms. Maxi dresses, midi skirts, capris with a kimono, there’s lots of ways to be a bit more covered and remain feeling like an Egyptian queen 😉
What to wear in Tunisia
Contributed by Alyssa from OjosExtranjeros
Tunisia, despite being a majority Muslim country, is one of the most progressive countries for women. Women have many rights that are equal to men in this country and have certain liberties that aren’t always allowed for Muslim women. For example, the hijab is not required for women in Tunisia, it is a choice each woman has the opportunity to make. As far as clothing choices, the options are endless. Shoulders and knees do not need to be covered. There were plenty of women walking around in shorts and tank tops – and not only in the capital of Tunis. This also varies depending on where in the country you happen to be, but again Tunisia is fairly liberal when it comes to a woman’s clothing. If you drive to the coastal beach towns of Hammamet, Sidi Bou Said, or Sousse, the dress here is much more liberal than in the cities. Bikinis are fine to wear at any beach, by locals and tourists alike.
Of course, when entering a mosque or other holy place modesty does equal respect and you will be denied entry if your top is too low cut or your shoulders uncovered. Other than this, women can wear what they please without worry.
What to wear in Lebanon
Contributed by Misha from Breaking Barriers
Lebanon is often touted as the Paris of the Middle East, and with its lively atmosphere and busy streets in Beirut it’s easy to see why. In Lebanon women are free to wear what they choose, and you will see some high end styles especially at night. Of course you will need to be respectful if entering one of the many churches, mosques, or the Lady of Lebanon in Harissa and in these you will need to cover your shoulders. This is not unlike any other religious site throughout the world.
Lebanon can get cold in the winter months so this will be the only worry you have. Apart from these, Lebanon is like any other Western country with regards to dress sense.
What to wear in Iran
Contributed by Ellis Veen from Backpack Adventures
Iran is one of the few countries in the Middle East that has an enforced dress code by law. The hijab is mandatory and means your hair, shoulders, arms and legs should be covered. In practice Iranian women are very creative in their interpretation of the law.
Although some women do wear a black cloak covering every part of the body, most younger women are extremely fashionable. Tight jeans with nice jackets, layers of make-up and somewhat revealing head scarves. It’s a continuous battle to find the borderline of what is allowed and what is not.
For travelers the police is more lenient, but it is best to follow the dress code to avoid problems. In public you should always wear a headscarf and make sure your shoulders, arms and legs are covered. Your clothes don’t need to be baggy, but not too tight either. Tunics with long sleeves are perfect. As long as you follow these rules there is nothing to worry about. Iranian people are extremely friendly and will politely tell you when you somehow crossed the line.
What to wear in Saudi Arabia
Contributed by Misha from Breaking Barriers
Even though the outside media always seems to project the image of all females walking around fully covered in black, in reality, this is not the case. True, you will see quite a lot that are fully covered and wearing the full head scarf and niqab, but this is a personal choice and not a law.
The only requirement in Saudi Arabia is that a female has to wear a loose fitting garment over any tight fitting clothes. This garment is called an abaya and does not even have to be black. It is not necessary to cover your hair, but it is advisable to carry a shawl with you for your own comfort as you may get strange looks from some people in some very local shops.
Underneath the abaya you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. In some malls there are female only floors where you can remove this and walk around in your normal clothes.
What to wear in Yemen
Contributed by Wendy from Nomadic Vegan
In Yemen, it’s best to dress as conservatively and as locally as possible. I have traveled in many countries in the Middle East and in the larger Muslim world, and Yemen is the only country where I decided to wear the traditional abaya (black cloak) and shaila (headscarf).
I felt more comfortable this way than I would have in any Western clothes, no matter how modest. I’m not sure that I really passed as a local, since almost all Yemeni women also wear a veil to cover their face in addition to the abaya and shaila. But I definitely felt that I earned respect from the locals by dressing like this. If you don’t have a way to purchase an abaya and shaila before your trip, you can easily buy them in the souqs of Sana’a.
What to wear in Oman
Contributed by Rahma Khan from The Sane Adventurer
Oman is one of the most rapidly progressing countries in the Middle East. Just like all the other Middle Eastern countries, Oman is also often considered to be quite conservative in terms of women’s dress. However, having lived here for most of my life, I can assure that Oman is far from being a super conservative country, where women are obliged to wear ‘Burkha’ and headscarf at all times!
The local and expatriate women in Oman are free to wear whatever they wish to. However, the local women do prefer wearing the Burkha with a headscarf; it should not be considered as an obligation for all women in the country. The new dressing trends in Oman have seen long skirts and full-length maxis as favorite attire among the women. Therefore, to bear the heat, do not forget to pack all those floral maxis and light color skirts and dresses when visiting Oman.
What to wear in Qatar
Contributed by Leona from Wandermust Family
Qatar is a conservative muslim country and as such it is important to be sensitive with how you dress. In summary shoulders and knees should be covered at all times and this goes for both men and women. It is also important to minimize the cleavage you have on display and I would advise having higher necklines. While it is not forbidden to wear tight clothes, I would recommend wearing loosing fitting garments both to keep cooler in the heat but also to respect local customs!
Children are exempt from the same clothing rules but I would advise covering due to the strength of the sun in the region!
In terms of fabric I would recommend linens and cottons and other fabrics that don’t make you sweat and to go for a lighter pallete. My personal favourite garment in Qatar is a maxi dress and I always carry around a pashimina.
What to wear in the UAE
Contributed by Arzo from Arzo Travels – see more of her advice on what to wear in Dubai
Dubai is probably one of the most modern cities in the Arabic World. While it looks like many western capitals, the dress code in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates is a mix of traditional Islamic culture and western influence.
Women do not need to fully cover nor to wear a scarf: at the beach, you can wear bikinis and swimsuits – but you will also see people in burkinis. Also, you will see many women wearing shorts and tops while there are also many locals and other visitors from all over the world wearing scarves or being fully covered.
In general, the dress code in the United Arab Emirates is quite liberal (Sharjah is, compared to Dubai, more conservative though) but if you do not want to attract negative attention, do not choose the most revealing clothes you own.
Also, keep in mind that there are some dress codes in some places such as mosques where you have to cover your body. You should also respect dress codes in malls (ie: no bare shoulders).
What to wear in Bahrain
Contributed by Misha from Breaking Barriers
Bahrain is a very open country and you can wear what you feel like. Naturally within reason as in any country in the world! Sometimes you will see females wearing the full head scarf and niqab but this is down to their own choice.
More often than not you will find women wearing jeans, t-shirts, dresses, or skirts, as in the majority of countries in the world.
The only time you will need to cover your shoulders and hair is if entering a place of worship such as a mosque if you are doing some sightseeing. This is a general rule all over the world and is not unique to the Middle East.
Bahrain can be very humid in the summer so something that can keep you cool is best. In the winter months it is a more comfortable temperature.
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