{"id":24622,"date":"2020-12-12T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-12T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=24622"},"modified":"2025-05-01T16:43:02","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T15:43:02","slug":"how-to-dress-africa-middle-east","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/how-to-dress-africa-middle-east\/","title":{"rendered":"How to dress appropriately in Africa and the Middle East"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One of the most common travel questions we get asked is: What do I wear?! This is especially common for travellers visiting Africa and the Middle East<\/a>. People want to be respectful of the local culture and dress appropriately for the climate, but they\u2019re often not sure where to start. Thankfully, it\u2019s not all that confusing! We\u2019ve put together our guide on how to dress in Africa and the Middle East, so you can enjoy your trip in comfort and style while embracing the local culture. You\u2019ll be packing your suitcase with confidence in no time at all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to wear in Africa and the Middle East<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While you don\u2019t need to wear exactly what the locals are wearing everywhere in Africa and the Middle East, it\u2019s important to dress modestly and follow the traditional dress code. Since there are dozens of countries across this region, all with different cultures and dress codes, it can be difficult to pin down exactly what to wear. Here are some general rules for both men and women on how to dress in Africa and the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What men should wear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Men should wear long trousers or jeans, and a t-shirt or button-down shirt that covers at least your shoulders. It\u2019s better if you can cover your full arms. If you want to wear shorts, make sure they are knee-length.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"men<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What women should wear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Women should wear long, loose trousers, skirts or dresses that cover the legs. They should also wear long, loose shirts that cover the chest, shoulders, midriff and nape of the neck. Although you might think these clothes would feel very hot in places like Africa and the Middle East, it’s actually better than wearing shorts or crop tops. It protects you from the sun and loose clothing is actually more comfortable in the heat. Dressing modestly will also save you from receiving unwanted attention, and the locals will be appreciative of your modest clothing choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: <\/strong>Our 6 Most Memorable Experiences to have in Africa<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Iranian<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Do women need to cover their hair?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It’s common for women to cover their hair in many countries in Africa and the Middle East. However, it’s usually optional for foreign visitors. The exception to this is mosques. All women, whether foreign or local, must completely cover their hair in mosques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many female travellers also recommend covering your hair when visiting Islamic countries, to be respectful of the local culture and to blend in more easily. While you don\u2019t need to wear a full veil or burqa, you may choose to wear a headscarf. A pashmina or scarf is essential for any trip to Africa and the Middle East. Even if you don\u2019t use it to cover your hair, it\u2019s great to wrap around your shoulders for extra modesty or to protect you from the heat or cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: <\/strong>Eat your way around Africa and the Middle East with these 15 dishes<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Muslim<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dress codes for different regions in Africa and the Middle East<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are general customs about what to wear in Africa and the Middle East, but the rules and conservatism may vary depending on where you go. It\u2019s always best to check the customs of your destination before arriving (or ask our friendly team for help if you\u2019re not sure!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, all women in Iran<\/a> must wear loose-fitting clothes and cover their hair. These rules take effect as soon as your aeroplane crosses into Iranian airspace and they are strictly enforced. Meanwhile, in places like Dubai, foreigners aren\u2019t required to cover their hair and can wear what they like at resorts (but should dress modestly in public).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a quick breakdown on the different dress codes across Africa and the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Africa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You should always dress conservatively in African countries, especially when travelling to rural areas. It\u2019s especially important to cover your arms and legs in North African countries like Morocco and Egypt. In big cities like Cape Town in South Africa, it\u2019s okay to dress more ‘westernised’ and just cover your shoulders and thighs. As for the beach, it\u2019s okay to wear a bikini or your usual swimwear, but be sure to cover up before you leave the beach. It\u2019s never okay to walk around in swimwear, especially in Zanzibar in Tanzania, where you will be asked to respect the local culture and cover up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:<\/strong> Best of Morocco<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"African<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Levant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Levant region covers countries like Jordan, Israel, Lebanon and Turkey, and the dress code varies between each country here too. While women aren\u2019t required to cover their hair, many locals do, and everyone should dress modestly and cover most of your arms and legs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you will find some exceptions. For example, what you wear on the beaches of Turkey or in the clubs of Tel Aviv, will be very different to what you wear in a Bedouin village in Jordan or an ultra-Orthodox Jewish town in Israel. The best advice is to pack enough modest clothing and follow the lead of the locals (or ask your Trafalgar Travel Director).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:<\/strong> Best of Israel and Jordan<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Arabic<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Gulf<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most countries in the Gulf, like Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are very conservative and extremely hot. You\u2019ll always need to pack long, loose clothing for a trip to the Gulf, plus warm layers for the chilly desert nights. Women generally aren\u2019t required to cover their hair, except Saudia Arabia and Iran. In Saudi Arabia, local women are legally required to wear an abaya (loose, robe-like dress) and cover their hair. Although foreign women aren\u2019t legally required to do so, you\u2019ll feel more comfortable wearing one and blending in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dubai is the exception to the conservative rule for the Gulf. It\u2019s the most commonly visited city in the United Arab Emirates, and you\u2019ll find plenty of tourists, beach bars and nightclubs. You\u2019ll likely see women wearing everything from full abayas to bikinis on the beach. While you may think that anything goes here, you should still respect the local culture and dress modestly in public by covering your knees and shoulders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"tourists<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Quick dress tips<\/strong> for Africa and the Middle East<\/h2>\n\n\n\n