Saudi Arabia proposes unified workplace dress code: What might be on the cards for corporate employees

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has released a draft Code of Appearance and Conduct, introducing clear workplace attire and behaviour standards for employees across the public sector, private companies and non-profit organisations. The ministry opened the draft for public consultation on November 25, 2025, with feedback invited until December 25, 2025.

The proposed regulation aims to establish uniform standards that clearly regulate dress and behaviour in the work environment and to help preserve national identity within a diverse labour market. It lays out expectations for how employees should present themselves while appropriately on duty, participating in official events or appearing consistently in media on behalf of their organisation.

Saudi Arabia’s new corporate dress rule

The draft regulation defines specific attire requirements for Saudi and non-Saudi employees:

For Saudi male employees

Saudi men must wear the official national dress: the thobe, along with the ghutra or shemagh. This applies during work duties, official functions and any media appearances.

For non-Saudi male employees

Expatriate men are required to wear a formal business suit, removing ambiguity around business casual attire.

For female employees (Saudi and non-Saudi)

Women must wear clothing that is:

• modest
• fully covering the body
• not tight
• not transparent

These standards apply during daily work, official events and media participation.

Clothing or accessories displaying political, ideological or inappropriate symbols are not permitted.

Conduct, responsibilities and penalties

Beyond attire, the regulation also outlines expected workplace conduct. Employees are required to maintain professionalism, integrity, respect for privacy and behaviour consistent with social and cultural values.

Employees must avoid actions or public statements that could harm the Kingdom’s reputation or create political or sectarian tensions.

Employers must always create a written internal dress code appropriately and clearly aligned with the current national regulation. Organisations that fail to consistently enforce these rules therefore could face serious penalties under the Labour Law, while employees may also be subject to practical disciplinary action for repeated violations.

Once finalised, the regulation will be published in the Official Gazette and will come into effect 30 days after publication.

Final thought

Saudi Arabia’s draft dress code policy represents a more standardized approach to workplace appearance across the Kingdom. It reinforces a national identity, sets consistent expectations for all employees and places responsibility on organisations to carefully enforce the rules. As public consultation continues, employers and workers are closely watching to see how the final version will ultimately shape everyday office life and culture.