His Excellency the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs in Qatar, Mr. Ibrahim bin Ali Al-Mahmoud, has issued Circular No. (13) for the year 2024, which includes specific regulations for the official dress and general appearance of employees during working hours and at official events. The aim is to enhance cultural identity and ensure the proper appearance of employees in ministries, government agencies, and public institutions.
The circular specifies that the dress code changes according to seasons and timings. During working hours, Qatari employees must wear the thobe, ghutra, and agal. In summer, the ghutra should be white. For events, a white thobe and bisht should be worn in the morning, an ochre Bisht from afternoon to sunset, and a black bisht in the evening.
The circular outlines dress code regulations that vary by season and time of day. Qatari employees are required to wear the thobe, ghutra, and agal during working hours. In summer, the ghutra should be white. For events, a bisht and white thobe are worn in the morning, an ochre Bisht from afternoon until sunset, and a black bisht in the evening.
Additionally, non-Qatari employees must wear full formal suits in dark colours, ensuring the shirt and tie match the suit colour.
The circular emphasizes the importance of a neat appearance, specifying that clothing should not be transparent or tight, no chains or clothing with logos should be worn, and inappropriate hairstyles should be avoided.
The circular also includes guidelines for employees on selecting appropriate footwear to complement Qatari attire and official occasions. It stresses that sports shoes should be avoided unless for medical reasons and that formal shoes should be chosen.
The circular specifies that Qatari female employees wear traditional Qatari attire, such as the abaya and head cover, appropriately suited for work without significant variation in design. Non-Qatari female employees must wear appropriate business suits for the work environment, avoid short, tight, bright, or shiny clothing, and keep jewellery modest.
The Qatari attire is distinguished by unique features highlighted in the circular, including the open cuff of the thobe known as “Hadd,” the thobe’s collar with a single button, and the agal with its tassels, adding a traditional touch to the attire.
Experts and citizens praised the circular on dress code regulations and general appearance, emphasizing the decision’s importance in preserving Qatar’s cultural identity and traditional societal values.
They affirmed that the thobe and ghutra are essential parts of Qatari identity and that adhering to them does not conflict with professionalism in workplaces or official performance, expressing pride in maintaining heritage in all circumstances and occasions.
Heritage expert Faisal Al-Tamimi stated on Qatar Television that the reason for issuing the circular on dress code and appearance during work hours is that it complements a previous decision similar to that of public schools. He added that cultural identity and Gulf attire were prominently showcased during the World Cup held in late 2022.
The circular aims to enhance cultural belonging and pride by unifying the appearance of employees across various government sectors. This reflects the state’s commitment to preserving and promoting Qatari traditions and reinforcing cultural identity among community members.
