Finance Ministry mandates official dress code for its employees

The Ministry of Finance issued Administrative Circular No. (29) of 2026 concerning the regulations for the approved official dress code in the workplace. The circular specifies that men may wear the national attire (thobe, ghutra, and agal) or a formal suit, while allowing technical professions, such as engineers, to wear a uniform or a T-shirt with appropriate trousers. For female employees, the circular mandates wearing an abaya and shayla in subdued colors, or a skirt and loose-fitting dress of modest length, paired with a jacket or covering shirt, while exercising moderation in jewelry and makeup.

The circular prohibits all employees from wearing tight, ripped, or low-rise trousers, shorts, short or transparent clothing, sleeveless shirts, and garments with open chests or cropped styles. The ban also extends to sportswear and hats worn inside the workplace (except for technical professions), displaying tattoos, and wearing clothing bearing inappropriate phrases or graphics.

The Ministry emphasized that violations constitute administrative infractions subject to disciplinary penalties under Article (28) of the Civil Service Law, and will directly impact the employee’s annual evaluation under the “General Appearance” criterion. The circular obliges heads of organizational units to monitor compliance and report violations. The decision takes effect immediately upon issuance and applies to all staff members of the Ministry.