loranaji
Posts 181

I have heard earlier about not allowing Muslim women in western countries to wear hijab. isn't this the same as asking a foreigner in Muslim country to wear appropriately. any way UAE is not offending anyone's religion. I think this issue gets more sensitive during Ramadan. never know maybe they will get more strict over time. as in Sharjah it is more strict in this issues.

ishehere
Posts 1704

AmyAus82
Posts 3425

You don't care about their blahblahblah - you were offended because in HER country, where HER children will grow up, she had the audacity to tell you you were offending her?

So you can offend her but she can't offend you?

I hope people get fined - give the half of society that does like decency a place where they have a voice not drowned out by "we have the right to do as we please..." - not everyone likes that thinking, it's very uncertain and gives no security on tomorrow, IMO, as who knows what for tomorrow - I mean, Gaga wore MEAT (starving ppl world wide) if someone did that in DM should we just say "to each their own"? Stamp it out while it's small, tourists will still come - many of the older posters began their lives here being told codes and still came.

mushypeas
Posts 2339

When I read the Title of this thread I thought the Locals were all leaving ?!!!

Bird
Posts 1352

Slightly off topic but I wonder what will happen in the case of the Saudi woman competing in the Olympics. She refuses to compete unless she can wear hijab but IOC are saying its against regulations. Her father says she will not compete without it. Would be such a shame as its a huge breakthrough that she is competing as a woman from a Muslim country.

pmd
Posts 402

Since I moved to Dubai I changed my wardrobe, got long skirts and a lot of pashminas. However, it's true that there are people, mainly tourists, walking around with very short or revealing clothes. IMHO the government is the one that should be doing something about it, if they really care, but it won't be easy since they have been trying to position the UAE, and especially Dubai, as one of the most open-minded places in the Arab world and promoting a dress code will attract a lot of unwanted attention.
I really don't think there's a solution to this problem, live and let live will be my answer and stop judging people for what they wear and start judging them for what they do.

kateh
Posts 278

well said Chocs - i live near a gym and these women think its ok to walk around in tight tops and pants well no its not ok to do some show some respect.... you shouldnt need a leaflet or a poster to tell you this...

Chocs01
Posts 4776

'Because others do it' isn't really a valid excuse for me. The reason locals have been pushed to make direct contact with people, is because they're now so sick of seeing people not wearing very much. It's pure common sense, there is a time and a place.

Security at the malls will do nothing. IF the authorities decide to bring in stricter laws, fines etc then certain people will only have themselves to blame sadly.

To be perfectly honest, what I see some people wearing in public, I wouldn't want to see ANYWHERE, let alone here.

There is now beginning to be quite a backlash at how westernized the UAE has become.

LexieBerry
Posts 181

Well said Sanddy_Dogg

Sanddy_Dogg
Posts 8471

martie
Posts 36

I just have to add that Im really excited about going to Dubai!
I cant wait....a week and a half left!

hilsbils
Posts 1778

martie
Posts 36

I have to say that nothing gets me as angry as when people come to my country and tell me what I should be or should not be doing and want to change my countries customs. So now when Im about to move to Dubai I need to respect their customs and rules. If wearing clothes to cover up is what I need to do then so be it. If people don´t like the rules then why move or go on vaccation there?

It seems fair enough to cover shoulders and a little bit of your arms they arent asking anyone to wear a woolen onesie in the heat. Considering it is a muslim country they are really lenient on rules to make all the western people feel welcome so why not show some respect and be courteous back by covering up a little?

mafmaf
Posts 152

hilsbils
Posts 1778

a t-shirt with short sleeves and shorts that reach your knee or a dress that reaches the knee is fine. What is being worn is tops with minimal or no sleeves or straps dresses and tops, or singlet type vests without sleeves.

martie
Posts 36

Hello all!

Havent arrived yet but was just wondering when you guys say cover shoulders...how much cover are we talking? As in how far down the arm is minimum?

thanks

CAPTAIN AMERICA !!
Posts 1664

mafmaf, why would you want to live in a country and not want to understand the ways and traditions? Is it just a pleasure to live in the UAE and earn your salary, save, have some fun then off you go, without understanding anything? Do you know that plenty of Emirati's have not seen their wives legs or shoulders? Do you think that is hilarious or impossible?

Sometimes I wish that I had not read some posts. I can only assume that you are trying to rile people.

mafmaf
Posts 152

awww c'mon guys, i admit i am careless! i know the rules very well, it is just that when i first came here ive seen girls wearing skimpy clothes, so i thought well cool!i thought it was that strict herw.i qm fully aware of the countrys rules with regards to clothing and yeah i must admit my carelessness was due to the behavior of other people around.i feel that expats in qatar are more sensitve in this issue because qa's rule were STRICTLY implemented, at times i feel that here in dubai rules depends on nationality,if you know what i mean.No worries guys i just pulled out my qatar clothing.

@hillsbills: thank you for keeping an open mind. and yeah the languages on the brochure were russian,french,chinese,filipino,arabic and english. i too was amazed when they make direct contact to people, it really is something.

hilsbils
Posts 1778

Glad to hear that they are starting to make direct contact with people and handing out brochures. Its important that we respect the sensitivities of this time. But I dont think the OP is that unusual as I do know some women who dont really care. Friends and colleagues who have been here for some time and will choose high fashion over modesty even if it means short shorts during Ramadan. OP - can you tell us what languages the brochures were in?

salsB
Posts 7865

We all should care, and more so at Ramadan. We should show some respect.

I think this thread is a wind up.
edited by salsB on 29/07/2012

admin
Posts 1563

We've got a great guide here for what to wear and what not to wear....

http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_faqs_Dubai_Dress_Code_8955.aspx

HTH

Katalist
Posts 470

Not even taking into account the dress code.... its always soooooo freezing in the malls who wouldn't want to wear jeans and a jumper!!!

Bird
Posts 1352

roysie
Posts 1017

Cheeky Monkey
Posts 1517

bumbles1971
Posts 187

Strange I just got back from Spinneys in Mirdiff and was approached by a local lady - she said I wish all expats dressed like you look at that woman... This woman was dressed in Fitness gear - a small top and sprayed on pants terrible where is your respect!!! FINE THEM thats what I say ;-)

Marroosh
Posts 2696

Well if you are so careless about the expected dress code then you deserve to be approached and educated about how you should dress. I think people are not offended by ignorant people who genuinely don't know what is expected, it is people like yourself who know but choose to ignore.

Daza
Posts 2115

Thanks for answering mafmaf.

I'm not a local so don't think it's my place to comment on what you 'should' be wearing but personally, I feel much more comfortable at the mall with my shoulders covered, year round. If I'm wearing a sleeveless top it's no effort to throw a pashmina or cardigan on.

coffee_mate
Posts 623

Seriously? You don't care?!?!!

Sanddy_Dogg
Posts 8471

Most malls have signs on the doors with a picture of expected dress.

Some even say that knees and shoulders should be covered.