More than 100 million people are travelling to Saudi Arabia every year, and it’s safe to say that women make up a fair share of that figure. 

Whether it’s a luxurious weekend at the Red Sea, a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, a girls trip to a music festival, or a family getaway to the largest waterpark in the Middle East – women are increasingly finding themselves drawn to the Kingdom. 

And that’s all great news, except… there’s still hesitation amongst some female travellers.

The Kingdom has undergone a significant societal transition, reforming laws over the last decade that has opened new opportunities for women, both resident and visiting. The destination is more welcoming than ever before and yet there’s still a shadow of a conservatism generating hesitation amongst women. 

Rihlat Travel News’ all-female editorial team is here to help ease your concerns with some of our firsthand observations and experiences in Saudi Arabia: 

1. Female only spaces: seperate but equal

If you’ve had layovers in the UAE or Qatar, then you’ll have seen and likely experienced female-only spaces. Much like the rest of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia offers areas dedicated to women where they can relax and engage in activities tailored just for them. 

While some may see this as creating division, it’s actually quite freeing and it even feels a little VIP treatment. 

These female-spaces can be found almost anywhere around the country including the airport (divided lines), the beach, and even public parks. Much like Fernwood in Australia or Strong Her in the UK, Saudi Arabia has female-only gyms and fitness classes including yoga, pilates and even self defence. 

Many resorts and hotels have also embraced dedicated women areas, with special swimming and sunbathing areas. Spa retreats also offer luxurious spa experiences exclusively for women including those at Assila Spa in Jeddah, Al Faisaliah Spa in Riyadh and Anatara Spa at Al Hada in Taif. 

2. Manners and modesty: cultural and religious etiquette

In 2019, Saudi Arabia caught up with much of the rest of the Middle East by dropping its strict dress code for local and foreign women. The law reform meant women no longer had to wear the abaya or any hair covering garments. 

Women are however required to keep it classy by wearing modest clothing. The general advice for women is to cover most of their arms, legs and chest, and try not to wear anything too tight. In saying that, women are comfortably walking around Saudi’s major cities in maxi summer dresses, boho gypsy skirts and tunic tops of tights/leggings. 

Feel free to show your beauty via respect. 

In the water, women splash in the best beach style… just not in a bikinis. Two pieces are a big no, no in Saudi Arabia’s public areas unless you’re in a female-only area. 

For those mixing it up by a cross-gender pool or beach, you can still do so in a stylish tankini, boardshorts and rashguards. 

Did you know in May this year, Saudi Arabia hosted its first swimsuit fashion show at the St Regis Red Sea Resort? Models taking part in Red Sea Fashion Week showed off swimsuits with exposed shoulders, midriffs and low necklines. 

While the show marked a major cultural shift for the Kingdom, there’s still a way to go before western-style swimwear can be worn across the country. 

3. Social media etiquette: be a considerate influencer

Snap your selfies and capture those Instagram-worthy moments. Saudi Arabia wants you. Every bit of positive exposure helps the Kingdom meet its 2030 tourism goals. But do it with some consideration. 

If you’re looking to capture moments that include other people or places, ask for permission first. It’s all about keeping it respectful and some Saudis may not desire online exposure. 

Seeking permission also helps avoid any misunderstandings and ensures everyone is comfortable with what and who is about to be photographed. Once the perfect picture is captured, you’re free to share it to your socials and you may even want to tag Visit Saudi, see if you can get a reshare. 

It’s important to note that photographs of some areas and buildings across Saudi Arabia are forbidden. This includes military sites, government buildings, private properties and areas of cultural or religious sensitivity. So ask before you snap! 

4. Solo travel: do it with confidence

Did you know Saudi Arabia has a rating of 0.737 on the Women, Peace and Security Index? That places the Kingdom well into the top half of the 175-destination list. 

When it comes to being female-friendly, Saudi Arabia ranks higher than some of the most popular Latin American and Southeast Asian travel destinations including Chile, Peru, Vietnam and more. 

Solo travel is not only safe for women in Saudi Arabia, it’s actually encouraged by the Kingdom and the tourism industry. Across the country, female travellers will find options for hotels and accommodation, including Four Seasons where there are entire floors that can only be accessed by women. At the Ritz Carlton, travellers can find female-only suites, while the Luthan Hotel and Spa is entirely dedicated to female guests only. 

This increasing care to offer solo female travellers their own space, creates a more personalised and secure experience around the country.

Outside of accommodation, female travellers can do almost anything they can do in their own countries, including drive, book a taxi, sit a restaurant solo, book tours or private guides, etc.

An activity we highly recommend women experience in Saudi Arabia is… #5. 

5. Spend your hard-earned tourist dollars: go on a shopping spree!

If there’s one thing the Middle East knows and absolutely loves, it’s fashion. From the high end designers to local boutiques, the most sought after jewellers and even the richest of spices, the region is a haven for shoppers. And Saudi Arabia is no exception. 

Souq Al-Zal is the oldest traditional market found in Riyadh, having been first established in 1901 – before the unification of the Kingdom itself! The market spreads across 38,000 square meters and has everything from instruments to rare valuables, vintage items and more. 

From the traditional to the modern, Saudi Arabia has 13 major shopping malls and plans for five more to come online in the coming years. The 99-story Kingdom Centre Tower is a visitor favourite for its combination of unique architectural design, Skybridge and 150-store Al-Mamlaka shopping mall. The mall is divided across three levels, the first targeting young people, the second fashion and furnishings and the third is entirely reserved for women!

Then there’s Riyadh Park Mall which is the largest in the city, taking up 132,000 square metres. The mall features many retail stores as well as entertainment zones, restaurants, cafes and even a Museum of Illusions. 

6. Befriend the locals: meet Saudi’s friendly females

What’s a holiday without making a few friends along the way? Fortunately, Saudi Arabia makes it easy to meet and befriend other females, particularly locals, by hosting women-only events. 

These female-friendly gatherings come in all forms to cater to all types of women including art exhibitions, cooking classes, henna workshops and more. They’re a great way to meet local women and other travellers, and learn about Saudi culture from an insider’s perspective.

Of course, there’s also the option of jumping on a female-only travel group. It’s the easiest way to connect with other like-minded women and they also take the stress out of planning the finer details of your holiday. 

And for more travel tips and tours, check out what’s on offer with Arabian tour specialists, 365 Adventures.

Yalla, we hope this guide helps and enjoy your discovery of beautiful Saudi Arabia!