Ministry of Finance sets regulations and standards for employees' official uniforms

Assistant Finance Undersecretary Asil Al-Munifi issued Administrative Circular No. 29 of 2026 regarding the regulations and standards for the official uniform of Ministry of Finance employees. The circular specifies approved clothing styles for men and women, as well as prohibitions within the work environment, and emphasizes that violations of its provisions warrant disciplinary penalties and will impact the employee’s annual evaluation under the “General Appearance” category.

Issued on September 20, 2026, the circular stems from the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a professional work environment and eliminating any ambiguity or confusion among male and female employees regarding what constitutes appropriate and decent official attire suitable for the workplace, in accordance with operational necessities.

The circular defines the official dress code for men, requiring employees to wear either the national attire (thobe with ghutra and agal) or a formal suit. It permits technical profession employees, such as engineers, to wear a uniform or a T-shirt paired with trousers appropriate to the nature of their work.

For female employees, the circular stipulates the observance of wearing an abaya and shayla in calm, formal colors, or a modest-length skirt or dress (below the knee), along with a jacket or shirt of appropriate length that provides coverage. It also calls for moderation in the use of jewelry and makeup, ensuring they are suitable for a formal work environment.

The circular prohibits all employees from wearing tight, low-rise, or ripped trousers; shorts of any kind; short, sheer, or revealing clothing with excessively deep necklines; sleeveless shirts; cropped jackets or blouses; and clothing with open chests. Prohibitions also extend to sportswear, wearing hats inside the workplace (except for technical profession employees), displaying tattoos, and wearing shirts or clothing containing inappropriate phrases or graphics.

The circular confirms that any breach or violation of its provisions constitutes an administrative offense subject to one of the disciplinary penalties outlined in Article 28 of Law Decree No. 15 of 1979 concerning Civil Service. Such violations will also affect the employee’s annual evaluation under the “General Appearance” category.

Directors are mandated to monitor employees’ compliance with the circular’s provisions, report any violations, and take appropriate disciplinary action. Responsible officials are tasked with implementing and disseminating the circular to all Ministry of Finance employees, with effect from the date of its issuance.

The circular is based on Law Decree No. 15 of 1979 concerning Civil Service and its amendments, the Decree issued on April 4, 1979, concerning the Civil Service System and its amendments, Administrative Circular No. 2 of 2021 from the Civil Service Bureau regarding the Code of Conduct for Government Entity Employees, issued on February 10, 2021, and Administrative Circular No. 17 of 2025 concerning the Code of Professional Principles and Public Service Ethics for Ministry of Finance Employees, issued on October 1, 2025.