Post by : Maya Rahman

Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for a cohesive framework governing employee dress and behavior in the workplace. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has initiated public feedback on the draft of the “Code of Appearance and Conduct,” which will, if ratified, apply across all sectors, including government entities, private businesses, and non-profits throughout the nation.

The intent behind these proposed guidelines is to foster a more professional, orderly, and uniform work atmosphere. The Ministry seeks to elevate national identity, ensuring that employees present themselves appropriately and reducing ambiguity surrounding acceptable workplace attire. Unlike previous generalized guidelines, this new proposal specifies detailed expectations for dress and conduct for various employee groups.

Specifically, the draft establishes strict attire standards for male employees. Saudi men will be required to don the national dress during work hours, which includes the thawb and the ghutra or shemagh. This requirement aims to ensure visibility of local heritage and identity within professional contexts.
In contrast, non-Saudi men will need to wear formal business suits. This move aims to create a definitive standard for expatriate employees, eliminating mixed interpretations of business attire. Such measures reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing workplace professionalism and ensuring a cohesive appearance across sectors.

The proposed guidelines also delineate explicit requirements for women. Both Saudi and non-Saudi female staff are expected to dress modestly, with outfits that fully cover the body and are neither tight nor transparent.
These regulations will apply at regular workplaces, during official events, or in media appearances for their employers. The aim is to uphold public decency and ensure a consistent and dignified appearance in all work-related contexts.

Beyond attire, the guidelines emphasize high behavioral standards and the importance of personal hygiene. They outline the need for respectful behaviors and proper conduct in professional settings.
Furthermore, the inclusion of a ban on accessories or clothing displaying political sentiments, ideological symbols, or anything potentially offensive serves to maintain neutrality and avoid workplace conflicts.

Companies will be pivotal in implementing these new rules. Each private sector organization will be required to formulate and display its internal dress code adhering to national standards.
Non-compliance may attract penalties, following a precedent where fines for labor violations previously reached SR 5,000, underlining the government's serious stance on workplace regulations. The proposal indicates that similar penalties could be enforced under the new framework.

Currently, the code remains in the public consultation phase, inviting feedback from employers, employees, and the general public prior to finalization. Although adjustments may occur, the overarching intention is clear: Saudi Arabia aims for a more systematic, uniform, and nationally representative workforce.
Should the draft be enacted, both companies and employees will need to recalibrate their practices. The next few months will reveal the finalized codes, enforcement rigor, and the influence of these new standards on daily office life in the Kingdom.