Job Discussion Forums

[paradox3696]

hi folks. I will be flying into KSA in a few days and would like to know the followings:

1. Is office attire with a tie a norm to go to work in Saudi? or is there a specific dress code that foreigners need to follow?

2. When flying into KSA, is it okay if I just wear jean and a polo shirt? I just want to make sure that I dont show disrespect to the locals.

Thanks

[Mia Xanthi]

Assuming you are male : yes, a tie and a dress shirt are usually required at work. Some men wear jackets, and others keep a jacket on a hook in the office just in case an important visitor arrives.

Since many oil workers fly into KSA, jeans and a polo shirt are pretty standard attire when arriving at the airport. IMHO, a pair of khakis and a cotton (not knit )button-up shirt might attract less attention at customs, if you are concerned about that. It will also be cooler than heavy denim jeans.

Don't feel that you have to bring a lot of work clothes with you. Male teachers in KSA are not exactly fashion icons, so you won't have to worry about the competition. Also, men's clothing in normal sizes is widely available here in shopping malls, and if you are not a normal size, there are very good and quite reasonable tailoring services available.

It is very hot here. Think cotton, cotton, cotton.

[007]

Well, if you are a Malaysian (or look like a Malaysian), then the best dress for you is the Malaysian dress. Because if you wear a jean and polo shirt, then the Saudi will think you are a Pilipino maid or a chauffeur, and you will not get a proper respect from some of them!
I have seen a lot of Malaysians here, especially during Ramadan and Hajj events, with their traditional dress, and they are very respected by the locals and other people.
So, my advice is: Think Malaysian, Malaysian, and Malaysian.

Good luck.

[Stephen Jones]

With regard to dress code for work it depends on the employer. In general the rule is, the worse the employer, the more draconian the dress code. So if you work in the language school equivalent of Mcdonalds you will be expected to wear jacket and tie like a posh waiter. If you work somewhere better, few will bother, and nobody will complain if you dress in shirt and chinos like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates.

[Mia Xanthi]

[007]

[Mia Xanthi]

My apologies, 007. I come from a country where most people have no idea of the difference between Singapore and Malaysia, so I jumped in on a false assumption.

So, paradox 3696, can we look forward to seeing you in your songkok?

[paradox3696]

Thank folks for the reply and the info. I have a much better sense of the dressing code in KSA and will prepare myself accordingly. It is equally interesting to note that you folks are quite familiar with the 2 countries (namely, Malaysia and Singapore) culturally and the ethnic makeup of the 2 countries.

I will enjoy the few days remain in the States with fresh air (7000 feet above sea level) and USDA choice beef LOL.

Thanks all again for the replies.

[mistral]

Newcomers are advised not to arrive wear the traditional thobe and gutra. They'll think you've applied to join the Secret Police (yes they do exist). As for your first day in academia, dress conservatively. Wear a tie just to be on the safe side. With regard to members of the g*y community, try to dress down so as not to attact too much attention. You'll get plenty of that later. Your new buddies'll spot you immediately anyway. You won't have to look far for friends in the Middle East.

NB. Skirts and those black garbage can liners called abeyas are generally worn well below the knee.

[mouse5]

It means "Welcome". You reply "Ahlan Beak". And look as if you're delighted to have come all this way!

Look forward to meeting you paradox. Remember. Look cool!

[Mia Xanthi]

[mistral]

[Cleopatra]