Enforce dress code in Dubai, chorus Netizens

Dubai — The news of more Dubai government departments moving to enforce a dress code in the emirate has sparked a public debate on social media.

Khaleej Times ran an online poll, asking Netizens if the Dubai government should enforce a dress code for visitors. About 1,262 KT readers responded with a yes, asking the government to distribute awareness brochures and play audio messages on flights to educate visitors about the traditions and culture of the country. About 829 respondents opposed the idea, saying outfits are a matter of choice.

We got a whopping 396 comments, with many favouring a dress code in the UAE, and some opposing the idea.

Netizens respond

“Better I think to divide Dubai into ‘Dress Code’ areas. Beach dress, shorts and short skirts limited to areas along the beach. You put on more as you advance further into the city. And finally in some areas you have to be dressed in traditional abayas and kanduras. Most tourists are likely to stay put in a more liberal/closer to beach area, so it might work.” — Baber Khairi.

“If France endorses ban on covering yourself in niqab ... why can’t you endorse ban on walking in vulgar clothes!” — Musaib Ul Muntaha.

“Christians ... can’t wear abaya, veils, kandoora, etc. Same thing (applies) to local Muslims — they can’t wear what Christians ... wear, so leave it as it is ... No for dress code, but publicly we must wear modest (clothes) ... for us to be respected.” — Marj Gabby Angcog.

“It is a matter of religious values. Definitely big YES ... even if it costs tourism a bit.” — Muhammad Mushtaq.

“Modesty is a good thing. But governments should not tell people what they should wear. When you are inviting people (to) ... your country, you are inevitably inviting their culture also. Same as when we Muslims go to Western countries, we take our values and culture with us there.” —  Saima Altaf

yousufk@khaleejtimes.com