Information Ministry proposes dress code to promote professional image

To elevate professionalism and reinforce the Ministry of Information’s role as Kuwait’s official media representative, Assistant Undersecretary for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Manal Al-Baghdadi, has submitted a comprehensive proposal to regulate the dress code and general appearance of ministry employees.

The proposal, which was presented to the Undersecretary of the Ministry, seeks to unify and standardize the image of staff—particularly those who appear in public or on media platforms—ensuring their appearance reflects the values of discipline, professionalism, and institutional decorum. “This is about preserving the Ministry’s identity and aligning it with Kuwait’s official image,” Al-Baghdadi said.

Strict Guidelines for Men and Women

The proposed regulations lay out specific and separate dress requirements for male and female employees. Male staff are expected to wear national attire (dishdasha, ghutra, and agal) or formal suits with long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and formal closed shoes. Casual items such as ripped jeans, shorts, tracksuits, dishdasha with caps, open-toed shoes, or garments featuring unofficial logos or imagery are strictly forbidden within ministry premises, reports Al-Rai daily.

For women, the dress code emphasizes modesty and professionalism. Female staff are to wear formal suits, long-sleeved shirts, skirts or long pants, and closed-toe shoes appropriate for work. Clothing that is tight, transparent, or shorter than knee-length, along with excessive makeup or strong perfumes, is prohibited. High heels deemed environmentally or medically inappropriate are also disallowed.

Uniformity in Media Appearances

One of the cornerstones of the proposal is the regulation of employees’ appearance during official media engagements. Broadcasters, reporters, spokespeople, or any other representatives of the ministry must wear attire aligned with the ministry’s visual identity, including approved colors and coordinated presentation. Before any televised or recorded appearances, employees must coordinate with the Ministry’s media department to ensure compliance.

Administrative Violations and Penalties

Failure to adhere to the dress code will be considered an administrative offense. Offenders will first receive warnings or reprimands, but repeated violations may lead to disciplinary investigations under Civil Service Law. The Human Resources Department has been tasked with monitoring compliance across all departments and reporting directly to the Undersecretary.

Broader Controls for Professional Appearance

Beyond clothing, the proposal includes broader grooming and appearance standards. Men are required to maintain a clean, neat appearance and wear national attire during official events and appearances on modern media platforms. Business suits in neutral colors are also acceptable. Clothing featuring commercial logos or casual wear is strictly prohibited.

Women must maintain an elegant and modest appearance with a focus on professionalism. Flashy prints, branded accessories, or jewelry with logos that could be construed as marketing are banned to preserve the neutrality expected in state media. Makeup must be minimal and suitable for lighting conditions in studios or on stage.

The Ministry of Information plans to implement these new regulations immediately upon approval, with a clear directive to all departments and full enforcement through Human Resources oversight. The proposal marks a significant step toward shaping a unified, credible, and disciplined media presence that reflects the dignity of the Kuwaiti state.