Going to Jeddah: do I need to cover up as soon as I leave the airport?

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Posted by

on 29 Jun 2012

We will be visiting Jeddah for a few days in a couple of weeks because my husband has been offered a job there and before accepting, we want to see what it is like. Now I have read a lot about Jeddah on this forum as well as on others, but what I would like to know if i should start wearing an abaya the minute I leave the plane? Or can I wait till we leave our hotel for example or, if I dress conservatively, can I refrain from wearing the abaya for the few days we will be there? I do not wish to offend. Any advice or experiences?

Anonymous (not verified) on 30 Jun 2012 - 11:38

I have been to Saudi a number of times, although mostly to Riyadh and never to Jeddah. I always wear my abaya once i am on the plane, but tend not to cover my hir until in the airport. Jeddah is more liberal then Riyadh, so not covering your hair is prob fine, but i would wear the abaya all the time.

Anonymous (not verified) on 3 Jul 2012 - 07:48

Hi Therese, it's best to put the abaya on as soon as you leave the plane, and women are required to wear the abaya when out in public - rather keep it on so that you don't draw any unwanted attention. Have a look at our Culture Shock in Saudi Arabia and Women in Saudi Arabia pages to read more about what to expect as a women in the country.

Anonymous (not verified) on 16 Jul 2012 - 11:04

As both comments above, you do want to wear your abaya all the time as it is the culture here and you feel far more comfortable and blend in when wearing one. We often go out without covering our heads but definitnely take your scarf with you - if approached to cover your hair, it is just easier and less daunting to comply. Generally you are left to yourself (unless of course you draw attention to yourself (if loud), or show PDA which is not permitted. Enjoy your trip

Anonymous (not verified) on 17 Sep 2012 - 10:53

What's PDA ..???

Anonymous (not verified) on 18 Sep 2012 - 07:21

PDA = Public Displays of Affection, I believe... :)

Anonymous (not verified) on 18 Sep 2012 - 12:20

Thanks everyone, wore the abaya every time I went out and when I left the plane, and that was the right thing to do. So thanks for all your answers, it has been very helpful.

Anonymous (not verified) on 1 Oct 2012 - 17:49

hi my husband is an expat working in jeddah, while im on a residence visa here in dubai. i woould like to visit him there, but his company cannot issue me an invitation letter for visit. is there an alternative way that i can visit him for couple of days? what are the documents needed and the proper process as i prefer to do all the processing at my end. thank you and awaiting for your response.

Anonymous (not verified) on 2 Oct 2012 - 13:17

I understood that Saoudi does not give out tourist visa, but that a visa for immediate family should not be a problem. Is there any way you can contact your embassy in Saoudi (or Dubai, or your homecountr) to check with them if you can visit your spouse?

Anonymous (not verified) on 11 Mar 2013 - 06:25

Hello there, Saudi Arabia issues tourist visas but a female needs to be co-applicant with a legal male relative like husband or father. If your husband's visa category states that he is a white collar employee then he can always invite you on a visiting visa. He needs to click on this link https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/FamilyVisitVisa/create and can fill up the form with the assistance of someone who is having proficiency in Arabic. He is required to upload documents like marriage certificate and letter from the company stating NOC and his salary and all(endorsed from the COC). The status can be c hecked online. Once approved he needs to pay a personal visit to the Maktab Al Istekdaam for a brief PI and collect the visa. Hope it is of some help. regards

Anonymous (not verified) on 14 Jan 2014 - 08:47

do visitors/tourists need to wear abaya while on the plane going to riyadh?

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