Is Wearing the Shemagh Obligatory in Saudi Arabia?

Wearing the Shemagh is generally not obligatory in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, except in specific situations. For instance, it is required when obtaining a national ID card and when attending official events.

Certain government entities in Saudi Arabia require visitors to wear the Shemagh or Ghutra along with a Thobe. In 2025, the Ministry of Education mandated that all Saudi public and private high school students adhere to the national dress code, which includes wearing the thobe and Ghutra or Shemagh.

Men pair the Shemagh with the Saudi thobe and the black Agal. The Shemagh in Saudi Arabia features various embroideries, typically red embroidery in a square pattern, while the traditional Ghutra is a plain white cotton square scarf.

The choice of wearing the Shemagh, along with the Saudi attire, depends on factors such as age, occasion, and personal preference. Older generations in Saudi society are more likely to wear the Shemagh regularly, whereas younger individuals tend to wear it mainly in government institutions. The Ghutra is worn at weddings and other formal occasions.