Let’s face it, the days of a business suit being a non-negotiable part of a professional wardrobe are long gone. As industries expand and embrace new ways of working across the region, so does the workplace uniform. You might even say that the workplace dress code in the UAE is as dynamic and fast-moving as its economy.
But, gents, don’t hang up the tie just yet.
Yes, many of us work in industries that lean towards more relaxed and creative dressing, but others are steadfast in their commitment to upholding the age-old ‘dress-to-impress’ mentality.
It’s a dual evolution.
Let’s break this down into a little more detail. What and why is this happening – and what does it mean for us chaps?
Comfort and creativity: the evolution of casual workplace attire
Gone are the days of hopping on the metro and being swallowed by a sea of stiff suits and briefcases. Today, many workplaces have replaced crisp button-downs with casual t-shirts – and we’re not complaining. And, while the pandemic undoubtedly played a big part in reshaping the way we dress for work (let’s face it, few were willing to ditch the comfort-first uniform of the lockdown era in its entirety), the trend towards more comfortable, flexible office attire was quietly simmering away long before Zoom meetings.
- The global shift towards flexibility and comfort
It’s not just the UAE that is, quite literally, unbuttoning its collar. All across the globe, we’ve seen a major shift from conformity to comfort. We’re working with a much more relaxed workplace wardrobe these days. No need to consult the corporate style guide on this one, just look to the canon of TikTok style for proof: box-fresh trainers, oversized sweaters and slouchy trousers have become the face of modern work attire for many.
And, with the rise of hybrid and remote working, the divide between ‘work clothes’ and ‘home clothes’ is blurrier than ever. Business attire has effectively been reduced to what you can pull together from the waist up.
The key to mastering this without veering into ‘just-rolled-out-of-bed territory’? Ditch the suit, but don’t slide all the way into sloppy. You need to invest in elevated basics – crew necks in quality fabrics, tapered joggers and structured overshirts that say, “I care, just not too much”.
- Creativity and innovation
The UAE’s booming creative sectors, like design, media production and advertising, have contributed to this evolution too. These are industries that thrive on individuality and thinking outside the box, encouraging a workplace attire that reflects creative freedom – bold, flexible and full of possibilities. Here, casual dress is more than a style choice, it’s a strategy. It highlights innovation, agility and a willingness to brainstorm at any moment.
For gents navigating this new terrain, the key is balance. You can opt for more casual pieces, but make sure they’re versatile and pack a punch – think linen shirts, chinos in unconventional shades or a great jacket.
- Global business culture on a local level
The UAE is a cultural melting pot, so it’s no surprise that a Western-style, relaxed workplace attire has made its way to the Emirates. This change has been particularly noticeable thanks to the rise of the tech and startup sectors, where the focus is on agility, forward-thinking ideas and collaboration. When your job is to innovate, it helps to be able to move freely – or so Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg like to think.
In cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it’s not uncommon to see employees dressed in smart-casual attire, blending traditional business attire with more comfortable options like polo shirts, chinos and trainers. As more international businesses set up shop here, the UAE’s dress codes have evolved with it.
For men trying to strike the right note, think of it as blending two worlds. You want to look like you mean business, but also as if you could pitch a client and grab brunch without changing outfits. Go for breathable fabrics (linen, lightweight cotton) and hybrid staples (like a blazer that pairs just as well with jeans), and always keep your footwear game on point.
Dressing to impress: prestige and professionalism
There’s a flip side to this wardrobe story. In some industries, particularly those inherently tied to luxury and high-net-worth clientele, the ‘dress to impress’ mentality is still holding strong.
- High-net-worth client-facing roles
In industries where employees constantly interact with high-net-worth clients or stakeholders, a polished appearance symbolises authority, professionalism and competence. Real estate is an excellent example of this. Agents showing multimillion-dollar properties are expected to embody the high standards the property market demands. When selling luxury, how you present yourself is often as important as the property you’re selling. An immaculately tailored suit is a visual cue that you’re dealing with a serious professional, ready to handle high-stakes transactions.
The same goes for financial services, particularly in segments like wealth management and investment banking, which rely heavily on client trust. Clients expect to be guided by professionals who not only understand the intricacies of financial markets but also appear credible and well-versed in the business world.
So, essentially, gents, a sharp, well-put-together appearance reassures clients that the products sold are as exclusive as those who wear them. Fit is non-negotiable, grooming is essential, and the devil is always in the details.
- Formal dress codes that reinforce authority
In more traditional or corporate environments where hierarchy is paramount, like law, consulting and corporate management, the suit is still the armour of choice. It’s not just a look, it’s a language. A sharply tailored suit establishes authority and distinguishes top professionals from others. It’s why the power suit has never really gone out of style in these sectors.
In the UAE, where formality still holds strong cultural significance in many business settings, especially when dealing with government entities, dressing sharply is also a form of respect. And respect carries serious weight.
So, for these circles, the suit isn’t going anywhere. Gents need to invest in good tailoring like a second skin: timeless colours, small sophisticated details and impeccable grooming.
A dynamic workplace uniform
On the one hand, industries like tech, media, and creative services have embraced a more casual, comfort-first approach to dressing because, in these sectors, innovation thrives when creativity is free to roam. On the other hand, in sectors like finance, luxury services and real estate, it’s not just about ‘dressing to impress’, it’s about dressing to reassure and close deals.
As the UAE continues to evolve as a global business hub, we can expect the workplace uniform to evolve with it and continue to straddle these two seemingly opposing worlds. It’s not just a case of formal versus casual – it’s about context, intention and identity. Whether you’re suiting up for a high-stakes client meeting or pulling on designer trainers for a creative brainstorm, what you wear speaks volumes about where you work, what you do, and the cultural forces shaping how you do it.
And, gents, when in doubt, stop by Ascots – we’ll make sure you nail your workplace attire, whichever camp you fall into.
Author: Gary Sweeney
