New law could enforce a dress code in UAE
15th June 2012
Federal authorities in Abu Dhabi are poised to pass a law that could see a strict dress code introduced in the UAE
Plans are in motion that could see a dress code introduced in the United Arab Emirates. The issue has been brought to the fore by various campaign groups and is sparked by numerous complaints of skimpy dressers in shopping malls and streets, as well as public displays of affection.
The proposal would see the local culture and sensibilities respected by force of the law and is backed by Federal authorities in Abu Dhabi. “In the UAE we are a conservative society. We hold on to our traditions,” said head of the national tourism council, Dr Al Owais. Hamad Ahmad Al Rahoumi of The Federal National Council expanded: “There has to be respect for the people in the UAE. Residents and tourists should dress modestly and not spread their bad habits for our children to see and imitate.”
Offenders are most likely to be from within the expatriate community rather than tourists, say politicians involved in the debate. They say the proposed law to enforce appropriate dress in public places would not have much impact on tourists, who would be allowed to wear swimming costumes on the beach and shorts in places not frequented by families.
Nasif Kayed, director of the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, said: “Modesty for us is about not showing off the gifts that God has given you – wealth, health and your beauty. To do so can cause feelings of inferiority and intimidation.”
According to Gaurav Sinha, founder and managing director of the Dubai travel-branding company Insignia, the problem is not that expatriates are disrespectful of the culture, but that they are unaware of the policies in place.
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