If you close your eyes and picture a Saudi person, your brain probably defaults to a specific "stock photo" image. Maybe it's a man in a crisp white thobe or a woman in a black abaya, both with very dark hair and olive skin.
That’s a start. But honestly? It’s also kinda like saying all Americans look like cowboys or all Brits look like they’re headed to a tea party with the Queen. It misses the reality of a country that’s basically a massive bridge between three continents.
When you walk through a mall in Riyadh or a seaside corniche in Jeddah, the sheer variety of faces is what actually hits you. There is no single "Saudi look." The kingdom is huge—about the size of Western Europe—and its history as the "cradle of humanity" means the DNA pool is deep, old, and incredibly mixed.
The Genetic Melting Pot (It’s Not Just One Thing)
Most people assume Saudi Arabia is a homogeneous block. It isn't.
Recent genomic studies, like a massive project published in Nature and PMC (2025/2026 updates), have identified at least twelve distinct genetic sub-clusters across the population. Because the Arabian Peninsula was the first stop for humans migrating out of Africa roughly 60,000 years ago, Saudi Arabians carry some of the most ancient "Basal Eurasian" ancestry on the planet.
But then, history happened.
Centuries of trade, pilgrimage to Mecca, and ancient migration routes turned the region into a genetic crossroads. In the Hijaz region (the western side along the Red Sea), you see a heavy influence from East Africa, Egypt, and even Southeast Asia. People here often have a wider range of skin tones, from very pale to deep ebony.
Move over to the Eastern Province (near the Gulf), and you’ll notice more overlap with Iranian and South Asian features. In the Central Najd region, the heart of the desert, you often find the more "classic" Bedouin features—prominent, straight noses, deep-set "black eyes," and sharp jawlines—because these tribes remained more isolated for longer.
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Eye Shapes and That "Liner" Effect
One thing that actually is a bit of a "thing" is the eyes.
A fascinating study on Saudi anthropometric features found that Saudi eyes often have a unique structure. They tend to have a higher upper lid skin fold and a higher lid crease compared to many other ethnic groups.
Pair that with naturally thick, dark lashes, and you get what many locals call "natural eyeliner." It’s a striking look.
The Wardrobe: More Than Just Black and White
You've seen the thobe. It’s the long, white gown men wear. But even that has "sub-cultures."
- Riyadh style: Usually very stiff collars, very white, very tailored.
- Jeddah style: Often more relaxed, maybe even different fabrics because it’s so humid there.
- Winter vibes: When the desert temperature drops (and it does drop, sometimes to freezing), men swap the white for heavy wool thobes in navy, charcoal, or forest green.
Then there’s the shemagh (the red and white checkered scarf). How a man folds his shemagh can tell you where he’s from or even what kind of mood he’s in. Some wear it "Cobra" style (high and sharp), while others just let it hang loose and casual.
The Evolution of the Abaya
For women, the black abaya is no longer the "uniform" it used to be.
Since the 2019 Public Decency Law and the push toward Vision 2030, the fashion scene has exploded. You’ll still see plenty of black, but you’ll also see linen abayas in dusty pink, sage green, and beige.
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In 2026, the trend has shifted toward minimalist silhouettes. We're talking clean lines, sustainable fabrics like bamboo silk, and "smart" modest wear that regulates temperature.
And under the abaya? It’s anything goes. High-end sneakers (Saudis are huge sneakerheads), designer denim, or power suits for the office.
Regional Differences Are Real
If you're in the Asir Mountains in the south, the people look different because the environment is different. It’s green, rainy, and high-altitude.
Traditional dress here isn't even the white thobe—it’s often colorful, floral "Flower Men" crowns (made of jasmine and wild herbs) and wrapped kilts. The people in the south often have a slighter build and features that feel closer to their neighbors in Yemen or the Horn of Africa.
Up in the North (Tabuk region), near Jordan, you’ll find families that look indistinguishable from Levantines. Lighter skin and even green or hazel eyes aren't uncommon there.
Modern Beauty Standards in 2026
Standards are changing fast.
Traditionally, "Arabian beauty" meant long, straight black hair and a "fuller" figure, which was historically a sign of wealth. But walk into a gym in Riyadh today and you’ll see a massive shift. The "athletic" look is huge. Both men and women are obsessed with fitness, and the current beauty ideal is leaning toward a more toned, "global" aesthetic.
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However, some things are classic. A well-groomed beard is still the ultimate status symbol for Saudi men. It’s rarely a "duck dynasty" beard—it’s usually laser-edged and perfectly trimmed.
Why the "Oil Sheikh" Stereotype is Dead
The biggest misconception is that everyone is decked out in gold and driving a gold-plated Lamborghini.
The "average" Saudi today is young—over 60% of the population is under 30. They look like any other Gen Z or Millennial you’d find in London or New York, just with a local twist.
They’re wearing Apple Watches, carrying lattes from local specialty coffee shops (the coffee culture there is actually insane), and scrolling TikTok.
Actionable Insights: How to Respectfully Observe
If you’re traveling to Saudi Arabia or working with Saudi colleagues, keep these points in mind:
- Don't assume nationality based on skin tone. You’ll meet Saudis who are blonde and Saudis who are Black. They are all equally "Saudi."
- Dress is a choice, but modesty is the vibe. While the law has relaxed, most locals still prefer a "polished" look. Messy, overly distressed, or very revealing clothes are usually seen as "low effort."
- Ask before you snap. Because privacy is a big deal in Saudi culture, always ask a person before taking their photo. Most younger people are cool with it, but it’s the polite way to go.
- Look for the "Southern Flower Men." If you want to see a completely different side of Saudi appearance, head to the Jazan or Asir regions to see the floral heritage that predates modern fashion.
Saudi Arabia isn't a monolith. It’s a kaleidoscope of migrations, desert survival, and modern high-fashion. The "Saudi look" is basically just the look of a country that has been a meeting point for the world for thousands of years.
To understand the culture better, look into the Saudi 100 Brands program, which showcases how local designers are blending these ancient tribal features with futuristic, high-end fashion. It's the best way to see where the country's "look" is headed next.