Picture this: you’re walking through a bustling souq in Riyadh, sipping qahwa (Saudi coffee), snapping photos of vibrant stalls, and soaking in the desert sun. Sounds dreamy?
For many solo female travellers, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia still feels like uncharted territory — shrouded in myths, misconceptions, and media-driven fears. But here’s the reality… Saudi has changed. A lot.
So let’s unpack the facts from the fiction — and by the end of this, hopefully you might be swapping your Paris city break for a Saudi desert and cultural escape.
Myth 1: You must wear a headscarf or abaya
Let’s get this one out of the way — no, you don’t have to cover your hair. And no, you don’t need to wear an abaya. Saudi Arabia has relaxed its dress code laws for foreign visitors in recent years.
The official guideline? Dress modestly. That means covering shoulders and knees, and avoiding anything tight, sheer, or revealing. Think elegant flowy maxi dresses, loose trousers, and tops with sleeves. Scarves are optional (though handy for sun or sand), and abayas are a stylish nod to local fashion, but not required.
Myth 2: You need a male guardian to travel
Once upon a time, yes. Today? Absolutely not.
Solo female travellers can book flights, check into hotels, and explore the country without needing to be accompanied by a male relative. That includes everything from catching a taxi to hiking in AlUla.
Don’t just take our word for it — even the official Visit Saudi site champions solo female travel. You’ll find stories of women backpacking through the Empty Quarter and strolling Jeddah’s seafront with no issues at all.
Myth 3: Women can’t drive or rent a car
In 2018, Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women driving, and since then, roads have opened up—literally and symbolically.
As a solo female traveller, you can rent a car and explore the country just like any other tourist. Whether you’re cruising along the Red Sea coast or road-tripping between ancient Nabataean tombs, Google Maps and a driver’s licence are all you need. Some rental companies may require an International Driving Permit, so check ahead just in case.
Myth 4: It’s not safe to walk around alone
This might be the biggest misconception of all — and also the most ironic.
Many travellers report that walking alone in Saudi cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam feels safer than wandering downtown San Francisco or LA, where getting hassled is almost a given. Violent crime in Saudi Arabia is rare, and the streets are well-lit, heavily patrolled, and — believe it or not — some of the cleanest and quietest in the region.
Local women walk, shop, and socialise freely. As a foreign woman, you might draw a few curious glances (especially in rural areas), but they’re more intrigued than intrusive. If anything, you’ll get offers of help, a warm “welcome to Saudi,” or a selfie request.
Myth 5: You can’t swim in a bikini
This one’s all about location, location, location.
Public beaches still expect modest swimwear — think rash vests and swim leggings — but at private resorts, boat tours, or beach clubs, bikinis are absolutely fine. Spots along the Red Sea coast, like KAEC or private dive trips in Jeddah, offer safe, relaxed settings for sunbathing and snorkelling without raised eyebrows.
Curious where you can go? Check out our piece on Saudi Arabia’s surprising nature spots for more on Red Sea escapes.
So, what’s it actually like?
Expect hospitality dialled up to eleven. Saudis pride themselves on treating guests with warmth — it’s part of their culture and religion. Solo female travellers often rave about the kindness of strangers, the attention to safety, and the unique balance of tradition and modernity.
Solo travel tips for women in Saudi
Here’s a little cheat sheet to make your experience smooth as cardamom coffee:
- Download ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber (both work well across major cities).
- Use Google Translate or Arabic apps for simple phrases — locals will love the effort.
- Stay in hotels with good reviews for women travellers — many international chains now offer female-only floors or added security options.
- Pack a lightweight scarf or shawl — useful for mosques or sun protection.
- Avoid PDA and political topics — just to keep it breezy and respectful.
Women-only spaces
If you’re craving a break from the hustle, Saudi Arabia also offers women-only beaches, spas, gyms, and cafés. These spots can be a nice blend of cultural experience and comfort — plus, you get to meet Saudi women in their element, living life unapologetically.
Final word
Is Saudi Arabia safe for solo female travellers? In short: yes, absolutely.
Will it be like travelling in Bali or Paris? No. But that’s the charm. It’s a country on the cusp of transformation — where ancient traditions meet sky-high ambition, and where travellers get to witness history unfolding in real time.
If you’re open to a bit of adventure and a whole lot of hospitality, Saudi Arabia might just be your next great solo travel story.
So, ready to pack your bags?
