Can I wear shorts in the Middle East?

Not in most places. Men can sometimes get away with knee-length shorts in very touristy areas of Jordan, Egypt, or UAE, but will be turned away from religious sites and looked at sideways elsewhere. Women should skip shorts entirely. Lightweight long pants are cooler than you think and work everywhere.

Do I need to pack an abaya if I'm visiting Saudi Arabia?

Not required for foreign women as of 2019, but modest dress still mandatory — covered shoulders, loose clothing, long pants or long skirt. Many foreign women wear abayas anyway because they're practical in extreme heat and help avoid attention. You can buy one locally for 50-100 riyals if you decide you want one.

How much warmer clothing do I need for desert nights?

Bring one actual warm layer. Desert temperatures can drop from 95°F during the day to 45°F at night, especially in Jordan's Wadi Rum or Egypt's Western Desert. A packable down jacket works well. You'll also use it on overnight buses where AC runs at arctic levels.

Should I pack tampons or buy them locally?

Pack what you need. Tampons are available in pharmacies in major cities across the Middle East but selection is limited and prices are higher. Pads are easier to find. If you use a menstrual cup, bring it — they're nearly impossible to find locally.

What's the dress code for women backpacking solo?

Cover shoulders and knees everywhere. In conservative areas (Saudi Arabia, Iran, parts of Egypt), cover arms fully and consider loose-fitting clothes that don't show body shape. A long scarf is essential — use it to cover hair in mosques, wrap as a shawl, or create distance in crowded spaces. Looking obviously foreign gives you some leeway, but respecting local dress codes makes everything easier.

Pack for Backpacking the Middle East

Pack modest, breathable layers suitable for extreme heat and conservative dress codes. Bring a lightweight long-sleeve shirt, loose pants, a scarf for women, sturdy sandals, and sun protection. Most of the Middle East requires covered shoulders and knees, especially in religious sites, so skip the shorts and tank tops.

Start with modest base layers. Pack 2-3 lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirts in neutral colors. Cotton or linen works best in extreme heat. Add 2 pairs of loose-fitting pants that cover your knees — lightweight hiking pants or linen trousers. These pieces work everywhere from souks to mosques and keep you cooler than you'd expect.
Add coverage for religious sites. Bring one lightweight scarf (for women) that can cover hair when entering mosques. Men need long pants for religious sites — the same ones you're already packing. Both genders need a shirt that covers shoulders. If you're visiting Saudi Arabia, women should pack an abaya — you can buy one locally for 50-100 riyals if needed.
Choose footwear you can slip off quickly. Pack one pair of sturdy sandals (Tevas, Chacos, or leather sandals) you can walk miles in and remove easily for mosque visits. Add lightweight sneakers for hiking or long city walks. Skip flip-flops — Middle Eastern streets are rough on feet.
Prepare for temperature extremes. Bring one warm layer for desert nights and overly air-conditioned buses — temperatures can drop 30°F after sunset. A packable down jacket or fleece works. If visiting November-March, add a rain jacket for Jordan, Lebanon, or northern regions.
Pack essential sun protection. The Middle East sun is brutal. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses (you'll use them daily), and SPF 50+ sunscreen. A lightweight neck gaiter protects against sun and blowing sand in desert areas.

Can I wear shorts in the Middle East?: Not in most places. Men can sometimes get away with knee-length shorts in very touristy areas of Jordan, Egypt, or UAE, but will be turned away from religious sites and looked at sideways elsewhere. Women should skip shorts entirely. Lightweight long pants are cooler than you think and work everywhere.
Do I need to pack an abaya if I'm visiting Saudi Arabia?: Not required for foreign women as of 2019, but modest dress still mandatory — covered shoulders, loose clothing, long pants or long skirt. Many foreign women wear abayas anyway because they're practical in extreme heat and help avoid attention. You can buy one locally for 50-100 riyals if you decide you want one.
How much warmer clothing do I need for desert nights?: Bring one actual warm layer. Desert temperatures can drop from 95°F during the day to 45°F at night, especially in Jordan's Wadi Rum or Egypt's Western Desert. A packable down jacket works well. You'll also use it on overnight buses where AC runs at arctic levels.
Should I pack tampons or buy them locally?: Pack what you need. Tampons are available in pharmacies in major cities across the Middle East but selection is limited and prices are higher. Pads are easier to find. If you use a menstrual cup, bring it — they're nearly impossible to find locally.
What's the dress code for women backpacking solo?: Cover shoulders and knees everywhere. In conservative areas (Saudi Arabia, Iran, parts of Egypt), cover arms fully and consider loose-fitting clothes that don't show body shape. A long scarf is essential — use it to cover hair in mosques, wrap as a shawl, or create distance in crowded spaces. Looking obviously foreign gives you some leeway, but respecting local dress codes makes everything easier.