Many studies by international organisations and non-Saudi researchers conclude that all Saudi women are forced to wear hijabs. This can now be questioned, particularly with the lifting of the requirement to wear hijab. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the hijab in Saudi Arabia is needed, especially in light of the monumental social reforms implemented in recent years. This study explores the concept of the hijab in Saudi thought, the social norms underpinning the wearing of the hijab within collectivist Saudi culture and the consequences of challenging these norms. The study also explores the views of Saudis on several stigmas linked to the hijab and the impact of specific declarations following the announcement of Saudi Vision 2030 on women’s hijab. This was achieved using a qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews to collect data on the studied topic. The findings of this study indicate that, according to Saudi thought, the hijab should cover a woman’s face and conceal her identity. These findings also reveal that there are three types of hijabs: the Sahwa hijab, the current generation’s hijab, and the hijab of new generation. These hijabs have varying degrees of modesty, and the study participants expressed different levels of acceptance for each type. Changing the rules around hijab is difficult, and it impacts the reputations of both men and women. The study findings show that Saudis reject the notion that the hijab is associated with oppression, thus invalidating the perceived stigma of oppression linked to the hijab in the West. Saudis have varying views on female freedom, with most supporting men’s prerogative to prescribe women’s behaviour regarding the hijab. Finally, participants expressed varying opinions on the recent changes in Saudi society, with most participants being aware of the impact of these changes on women’s wearing of the hijab
