Short Description
A campaign in Dubai to urge visitors to wear decent clothes that respect the Islamic traditions during Ramadan.
Preparing for the fasting month of Ramadan, residents are championing a campaign in Dubai to urge visitors to wear decent clothes that respect the Islamic traditions during the holy month.
“Our Guest Service representatives and security staff have been instructed to hand out the flyers, discreetly and courteously, to remind any guests about the need to respect the region’s cultural ethos,” a spokeswoman for the ‘dress code policy’ was quoted by Emirate 24/7 as saying on Sunday, July 7.
“We are committed to ensuring the social and cultural morals of the UAE and encourage visitors to respect the country’s cultural sensitivities.”
Organizers say the campaign aims to promote respect for the country’s culture among foreigners.
As part of the campaign, flyers are being passed to passengers arriving into the country or in malls.
Some supporters suggest imposing fines on those who flag the rules.
The “UAE Dress Code” campaign was first introduced in May 2012 on the online microblogging site Twitter.
It is meant to raise awareness about what locals consider appropriate dress and behavior.
The campaign was introduced as a rejection for western habits and clothes brought to UAE by millions of tourists to visit the Gulf country every year.
It came after a British woman was arrested in a Dubai mall for stripping down to a bikini three years ago following an argument where she was accused of not being respectful of the UAE culture.
The campaign comes days ahead of the start of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
The sick and those traveling are exempt from fasting especially if it poses health risks.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint and good deeds.
Welcome
The campaign has won plaudits from both locals and foreigners.
“This (flyers) is really necessary, especially in Dubai Mall and not just for Ramadan,” Dubai resident AV said.
“Some people are just stingy with clothes. It’s sometimes really vulgar. Be decent and show some respect.
“There are cultured people out here who are not interested in such ‘shows’. Dress decently at least.”
Fathima Farook hailed the initiative to pass out flyers to visitors at malls.
“I really appreciate the initiative taken by Dubai Mall. There is a real need for this.
“I absolutely respect freedom and I love Dubai for the same reasons and come on, showing some respect to the culture of the country, doesn’t harm.”
Another resident, SCM, shared a similar opinion
“I respect this dress code. People in the UAE come from different cultures, but they are committed to respecting the moral values of the host country,” she said.
“My opinion is that not only in Ramadan, but also throughout the year, those living in the UAE must wear appropriate clothing when going to a public place.”
Some foreigners also welcomed the initiative, suggesting flyers to also be handed out at entry points within the UAE.
“The flyers could be given at passport control when entering the UAE,” Max Calderan said.
“[There will be] no excuse to wear inappropriate clothing then.”
Jezabel Martins, a regular visitor to Dubai, said that foreigners should respect the culture of the countries they visit.
“I’m a European woman, I like to wear feminine and fashionable clothes but I do agree that you should dress up accordingly to each country’s cultural sensitivities, as well as each region’s cultural ethos,” said Martins.
“My opinion is that the UAE Government should have dress code flyers along with local magazines displayed at the airports so all tourists would be aware of these local specific and fundamental values.”
http://www.onislam.net/english/news/middle-east/463410-dubai-dress-code-welcomes-ramadan.html
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