Saudi Arabia has approved new workplace regulations that establish standards for employee appearance, professional conduct, responsibilities, and ethical behavior across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

The new rules outline how employees should dress, behave, and represent their organizations while performing their duties, attending public events, or appearing in the media.

Dress Code for Male Employees

Under the new regulations:

• Saudi male employees must wear the traditional Saudi attire, including the thobe with a ghutra or shamagh.

• Non-Saudi male employees are required to wear appropriate formal attire that complies with accepted professional standards.

Dress Code for Female Employees

Female employees are required to wear modest clothing while carrying out their duties, participating in public events, or making media appearances.

The clothing must:

• Cover the body appropriately.

• Not be tight-fitting.

• Not be transparent or revealing.

Official Work Uniform

Employees must wear their organization's official uniform whenever required by the nature of their work.

The official uniform must:

• Provide appropriate body coverage.

• Not be tight or transparent.

• Present a professional and respectable appearance.

• Be kept clean at all times while maintaining good personal hygiene.

The regulations also prohibit employees from wearing clothing or accessories displaying political or ideological slogans, messages, or symbols.

Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards

The regulations require employees to maintain high ethical standards and professionalism in both their conduct and appearance.

Employees must:

• Adhere to the teachings of Islam.

• Respect the values, customs, traditions, and culture of Saudi Arabia.

• Demonstrate fairness, integrity, and transparency.

• Carry out their responsibilities professionally.

• Exercise tact and neutrality in their interactions.

• Respect the privacy and rights of others.

Employees are also expected to avoid any behavior that conflicts with these ethical principles.

Restrictions on Public Conduct and Media Appearances

While at work, participating in public forums, or appearing in the media, employees must refrain from:

• Engaging in behavior that offends religions.

• Promoting tribal prejudice or discrimination.

• Expressing political opinions or positions.

• Advocating ideological or intellectual beliefs that conflict with the regulations.

Who Is Covered by the New Regulations?

The regulations apply to:

• Employees and workers in government and public sector entities.

• Employees working in private sector companies and establishments.

• Workers and staff employed by non-profit organizations operating in Saudi Arabia.

The new regulations aim to strengthen professionalism in workplaces across the Kingdom, promote ethical conduct, and ensure employees uphold Saudi Arabia's cultural, religious, and social values while performing their official duties.