Saudi Arabia has very strict dress codes, especially for women, that are enforced by the religious police. The rules around acceptable clothing are complex and sometimes ambiguous. However, wearing shorts in public is universally understood to be prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
What are Saudi Arabia’s clothing rules?
Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Islamic law which governs many aspects of life, including how people dress. The religious police, known as the ‘mutaween’, enforce these rules. Saudi laws require all citizens to dress modestly in public. These laws apply to both locals and foreigners.
For women, acceptable attire in public includes:
- Abaya – a full-length, loose overgarment which covers the body completely except the head, feet and hands.
- Headscarf – covering the hair and neck.
- Niqqab or burqa – face veil leaving only the eyes exposed.
Women must not wear:
- Tight or sheer clothing.
- Trousers, jeans or leggings.
- Shorts or skirts.
- Tops that expose the midriff or cleavage.
- Any clothing with bold colors, prints or embroidery.
For men, acceptable attire includes:
- Thobe – an ankle-length robe.
- Ghutra – a square or triangular headdress held in place by a cord (agal).
- Western-style suit.
Men must not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts in public.
What are the consequences of wearing shorts in Saudi Arabia?
Wearing shorts in public places is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia for both men and women. The religious police vigilantly enforce clothing rules and wearing shorts could lead to severe consequences, such as:
- Verbal warnings and harassment from the religious police.
- Being asked to leave shopping malls, restaurants or other establishments.
- Detainment at a police station until appropriate clothing can be found.
- Fines of up to 5000 SAR ($1300).
- Public flogging.
- Deportation for foreigners.
- Imprisonment for up to 1 month.
There have been instances of the mutaween punishing people on the spot for clothing violations by beating them with sticks or making them remove their shorts in public. The religious police are given a lot of authority to enforce modesty laws.
Does this apply to foreigners too?
Yes, all residents and visitors to Saudi Arabia are legally required to abide by the modest clothing rules in public places. Foreigners have been arrested and detained for wearing shorts or sleeveless tops.
However, these rules are not always strictly enforced against foreigners, especially tourists staying at Western hotels or compounds. Some leniency may be shown towards foreigners who may be unaware of local customs. But it is still advisable to comply with clothing rules to avoid harassment or legal penalties.
Are there exceptions?
There are a few exceptional circumstances where wearing shorts may be tolerated in Saudi Arabia:
- Beaches – Swimwear is permitted on private beaches at hotels and private compounds. But even here, modesty rules must be observed.
- Sports facilities – Men may wear shorts while playing sports or working out at a gym or sports club. But they are expected to cover up with pants or thobes when not actively exercising.
- Inside hotels – Foreigners may wear shorts inside hotel rooms and lobby areas, but not in public spaces outside.
- Medical reasons – Exception may be made for a medical condition that requires cooler clothing.
However, it is still best to refrain from wearing shorts in all public places regardless of the situation, to avoid confrontation with the religious police.
What kind of shorts are prohibited?
All types of shorts are prohibited for both men and women, including:
- Short shorts showing the thighs
- Knee-length shorts
- Loose shorts or short pants
- Bermuda shorts
- Cargo shorts
- Cycling shorts
- Boxer shorts
Even shorts that extend below the knee are not permitted. Trousers, jeans or full-length skirts and dresses must be worn in public.
Are capri pants allowed?
Capri pants that end mid-calf may be acceptable for women to wear in Saudi Arabia if they are loose-fitting and not form-fitting. However, to avoid any chance of offense, it is still preferable for women to wear full-length loose trousers or abayas when out in public.
Can children wear shorts?
Shorts are prohibited in public for children once they reach puberty. Younger children are given more flexibility, but wearing shorts is still frowned upon. In general, it is better to have children dress modestly in public as well.
Can you wear shorts inside a compound?
Many foreign expatriates live in residential compounds in Saudi Arabia. The rules may be slightly relaxed within compound grounds. But it is still not advisable to wear shorts, sleeveless tops or other revealing clothing when outside or where you may encounter religious police patrols. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and avoid shorts.
Can you wear shorts while driving?
No, you should not drive while wearing shorts in Saudi Arabia. Even though you are inside a car, it is still considered a public space, and you could get in trouble if stopped by the religious police.
What about at the beach?
Swimwear like shorts and bathing suits are tolerated only on private beaches at hotels, resorts and residential compounds. There are no public beaches where shorts are allowed. Even on private beaches, you may be required to wear a cover up or robe over your swimsuit when not in the water.
Are shorts allowed for female athletes?
In the past, Saudi Arabia even prohibited female athletes from wearing shorts and required them to compete in long tracksuit pants. However, as part of recent reforms, regulations were relaxed in 2017 to allow women to wear sports shorts underneath their abaya while playing sports. But they must cover up with an abaya when not actively training or competing.
Table summarizing shorts rules in Saudi Arabia
| Place | Shorts Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Malls, restaurants | No |
| Streets, markets | No |
| Hotels, private compounds | Only inside, not in public areas |
| Beaches | Only on private hotel beaches |
| Gyms, sports clubs | Yes, when exercising |
| Running, walking outside | No |
Conclusion
Wearing shorts of any kind is strictly prohibited in public places in Saudi Arabia for both locals and foreigners. The religious police enforce modesty laws rigorously and violations can lead to arrest, detention, fines, corporal punishment and deportation. While the rules may be bent a little for tourists, it is not worth the risk. Visitors and residents are advised to adhere to local customs and dress conservatively. Refrain from wearing shorts or revealing clothing when outside hotels, private compounds or designated swimming areas, to avoid trouble.