In a move aimed at strengthening national identity and regulating the professional environment, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has launched a draft "Code of Appearance and Conduct" for employees and workers. This draft encompasses the public and private sectors, as well as non-profit organizations, and was released via a public consultation platform, reflecting a commitment to transparency and community participation in decision-making.
Regulation details: National dress and modest attire
The draft regulations explicitly stipulated the need to adhere to a proper professional appearance, setting specific dress codes for workplaces:
- For Saudi employees (men): Adherence to wearing the official national dress consisting of the thobe and ghutra or shemagh, which reflects pride in the cultural identity of the Kingdom.
- For non-Saudi employees: Adherence to wearing formal attire appropriate to the professional work environment.
- For female employees (Saudi and non-Saudi): The requirement is to wear modest clothing that covers the body, in accordance with public taste and established traditions.
The regulations also stressed personal hygiene and avoiding wearing any clothing bearing political, intellectual, or sectarian slogans or connotations, to ensure the neutrality of the work environment.
Vision context and the importance of institutional organization
This move comes within a broader context aligned with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which seeks to enhance the efficiency of the labor market and improve the quality of the work environment. Unifying appearance standards is not merely a formality; it is part of building a mature corporate culture that fosters discipline and professionalism. Historically, government entities have adhered to national dress, but extending these rules to the private and non-profit sectors through precise regulations represents a significant step towards standardizing the public image of employees in the Kingdom.
Expected impact: Enhanced identity and discipline
Implementing this regulation is expected to yield several benefits, including:
- Strengthening national identity: Reinforcing the image of the Saudi employee who is proud of his heritage and official uniform in front of clients and visitors, especially in light of the Kingdom’s tourism and economic openness to the world.
- Professionalism and neutrality: Keeping the work environment free from any intellectual or political tensions by prohibiting slogans and focusing solely on productivity and performance.
- Respecting societal values: Ensuring that work environments, especially mixed ones, are compatible with Islamic values and the prevailing culture through standards of modesty.
Professional conduct and penalties
The regulations extend beyond appearance to include behavioral aspects, emphasizing the necessity of integrity, transparency, courtesy, and respect for the privacy of others. The ministry clarified that violations of these provisions will incur disciplinary action in accordance with the labor laws applicable in each sector. These regulations are scheduled to take effect 30 days after their publication in the official gazette, granting establishments a grace period to adjust their practices and educate their employees.
