Saudi Arabia Unveils Bold Corporate Dress Code Proposal: Thawb for Nationals, Business Suits for Expats

Saudi Arabia Proposes New Corporate Dress Code: Thawb for Nationals, Business Suits for Expats

(Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has unveiled a draft "Code of Appearance and Conduct" that would standardize professional attire for all employees across the kingdom. The proposed regulations mandate distinct dress codes based on nationality and gender, marking a significant shift for the private sector.

The draft law, currently open for public consultation, outlines the following key requirements:

• Saudi Male Employees: Required to wear the traditional national attire—the long white thawb with a matching ghutra or shemagh headscarf.

• Non-Saudi Male Employees: Must wear a formal business suit.

• All Female Employees: Regardless of nationality, are expected to wear modest clothing, with the draft explicitly banning tight-fitting or transparent garments.

The code extends beyond clothing to include general standards for workplace behavior and conduct, with provisions for penalties for non-compliance.

Aligning with Vision 2030: Professionalism and Cultural Identity

This initiative is part of broader efforts to standardize workplace norms and reinforce a distinct Saudi cultural identity within a professional context. While similar dress codes have long been in place for Saudi government employees, this new draft significantly expands the rules to cover the entire private sector and the large expatriate workforce.

Analysts see the move as a balancing act—modernizing the economy under Vision 2030 while preserving and promoting traditional values. The code aims to project a unified and professional national image to the world.

Potential Impact on Saudi Arabia's Workforce

If implemented, the code would have a widespread impact:

• For Saudi men, the thawb would become the official corporate uniform, strengthening the visibility of national heritage in everyday business life.

• For expatriate workers, the formal suit requirement creates a clear, standardized expectation, though it may represent a change for those in more casual industries.

• For women, the emphasis on modesty codifies existing social norms into law for the workplace.

• For employers, particularly multinational corporations, this will necessitate updates to employee handbooks and HR policies to ensure full compliance with the new national standards.

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What Happens Next? Public Consultation and Implementation

The HRSD's draft is currently in a public consultation phase, allowing businesses, civil society, and citizens to provide feedback. This process could lead to modifications before a final version is adopted.

Once finalized, businesses are expected to be given a grace period to align their policies. The final code may also include specific exemptions for certain professions, such as medical staff, industrial workers, or engineers, who require specialized attire for safety and functionality.

This proposed code represents one of the most definitive steps to legally blend traditional cultural expression with modern corporate professionalism, potentially setting a new standard for workplace culture in the Kingdom.