Details of the regulations governing appearance, behavior, and national dress in Saudi Arabia
In a move aimed at strengthening corporate identity and aligning the work environment with societal values, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia launched the "Appearance and Conduct Code" project through the "Istilaa" platform. This project aims to regulate the general appearance and professional conduct of all employees in the three sectors: government, private, and non-profit.
A regulatory framework that aligns with Vision 2030
This regulatory move comes as part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts within Vision 2030 to improve the quality of the work environment and enhance institutional performance. Regulating the overall appearance is not limited to outward appearance; it extends to reflecting professionalism and seriousness in work. Through these regulations, the Ministry aims to establish a professional culture that respects authentic Saudi customs and traditions while simultaneously keeping pace with international standards of workplace discipline, thus contributing to creating an attractive, impartial, and fair work environment.
Details of dress code and general appearance
The proposed regulations set precise appearance standards, explicitly requiring Saudi male employees to wear the official national dress consisting of a thobe and ghutra or shemagh, thus reinforcing pride in national identity within the workplace. Conversely, the regulations mandate that non-Saudi employees wear formal suits to ensure a uniform and professional appearance.
As for female employees, the regulations emphasized the necessity of adhering to modest dress that covers the body, in accordance with Islamic principles and prevailing social norms. The rules also included general guidelines covering personal hygiene and cleanliness of appearance, and explicitly prohibited the wearing of any clothing bearing political, ideological, or sectarian slogans or symbols, to ensure a neutral work environment.
Professional conduct and expected impact
The regulations didn't stop at regulating appearance; they extended to behavior, emphasizing the importance of ethical values, integrity, transparency, and respect for others' privacy. It is expected that implementing these regulations will contribute to unifying the public image of Saudi institutions, enhancing discipline, and reducing distractions that may arise from inappropriate behavior, which will positively impact productivity and professional relationships within these organizations.
Implementation mechanism and penalties
The Ministry of Human Resources clarified that compliance with these rules will not be optional once approved, noting that violations will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable regulations. Penalties will be applied to private sector and non-profit establishments based on the Labor Law and its implementing regulations. The regulations are scheduled to take effect 30 days after their publication in the Official Gazette, allowing establishments sufficient time to prepare their employees to comply with the new guidelines.
