Saudi Arabia — Customs, Etiquette & Laws for Visitors

Key Insights

• 1

  Dress code: Modest clothing required in holy areas. Women are no longer required to wear abaya in public but modest dress is encouraged.

• 2

  Photography: NEVER photograph government buildings, military sites, or people without permission. The Haram interior photography is restricted.

• 3

  Alcohol: Strictly prohibited. Zero tolerance — criminal penalties apply.

• 4

  Prayer times: Many shops close briefly during Salah. Build 15–20 minute buffers into schedules.

• 5

  Ramadan: Business hours shift significantly. Eating/drinking in public during daylight hours is illegal for all.

• 6

  Respect: Stand when national anthem plays, remove shoes before entering mosques, greet with 'As-salamu alaykum'.