The office of the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs in Qatar recently released Circular no. 13 for the year 2024, which lays out guidelines for the appropriate attire for employees of Ministries, government agencies, and public bodies and institutions. The aim is to ensure that employees adhere to controls related to uniform and public appearance during work hours and while attending official events. Qatari male employees are required to wear the traditional Qatari uniform, which consists of a thobe, a ghutra, and an egal. Non-Qatari employees, on the other hand, are expected to dress in a full formal dark-colored suit, complete with a matching shirt and tie.
For official occasions during the summer period, specific guidelines are set for the color of the bisht that employees are expected to wear. In the morning period, the bisht should be white, while in the midday period, it should be blonde, and in the evening period, it should be black. Additionally, the winter bisht can be worn from the first of December to the first of April. Qatari female employees are required to wear the traditional Qatari dress, which includes an abaya and head covering, in an appropriate manner. Non-Qatari female employees are expected to dress in appropriate women’s work suits that are suitable for the work environment. Guidelines also prohibit short, tight clothing, bright colors, and inappropriate makeup. Sport shoes are strictly prohibited unless a medical reason is provided, and employees are advised to avoid inappropriate hairstyles.
Furthermore, general controls regarding paying attention to employees’ general appearance include guidelines that clothing should be opaque and not tight, and that chains or clothing with logos should not be worn. Employees are also urged to avoid inappropriate hairstyles to maintain a professional appearance. The regulations aim to ensure that employees present themselves in a respectful and appropriate manner during work hours and official events. By adhering to these guidelines, employees can help create a professional and cohesive work environment that reflects the values and traditions of Qatar. It is essential for employees to understand and abide by these guidelines to maintain a positive image for the Ministries, government agencies, and public bodies and institutions they represent.
