UAE Dress Code Law

[Evok]

Meh,

I agree this is more related to political statements being taken up against some of the Euro countries for their banning of wearing certain headgear, but I think the origination is actually likely as described.

Personally I'm a big fan of "It's their country, they can do what they want."

So long as they don't try to keep me from leaving when I decide to leave (and you've never seen blood and fury like the US finding out one of it's nuclear scientists has been detained in a middle eastern country), they can make the rules and I only choose to stay or go.

A bit of a middle of the road post... sure everyone will disagree

[Gavtek]

Originally Posted by OfftoSharjah

Speaking of shorts? What are the expectations for men? I'm not looking forward to the August heat and not a huge fan of long pants other than for work?

You've nothing to worry about, it's only women they want to oppress.

[Toon]

Originally Posted by Gavtek

You've nothing to worry about, it's only women they want to oppress.

Very true, and is it because they're worried their husbands/boyfriends will desire another woman?

Are they so useless at giving their husbands what they want that they think this?

I blame the whole culture of segregation, it can't continue.... Can it?

[Toon]

Originally Posted by Evok

Meh,

I agree this is more related to political statements being taken up against some of the Euro countries for their banning of wearing certain headgear, but I think the origination is actually likely as described.

Personally I'm a big fan of "It's their country, they can do what they want."

So long as they don't try to keep me from leaving when I decide to leave (and you've never seen blood and fury like the US finding out one of it's nuclear scientists has been detained in a middle eastern country), they can make the rules and I only choose to stay or go.

A bit of a middle of the road post... sure everyone will disagree

Yeah looky you, Nuclear Scientist, Whippy feckin doo. If you got arrested for being drunk and beating a local up do you really think the good ole U S of A would help?

If you think yes I'd suggest you pull your head out your ass and smell the camel poo.

[Engineer]

Yeah looky you, Nuclear Scientist, Whippy feckin doo. If you got arrested for being drunk and beating a local up do you really think the good ole U S of A would help?

If you think yes I'd suggest you pull your head out your ass and smell the camel poo.

Been there done that and no one will help you but yourself. Take my word for it!!!!

I will tell you when you get back Toon;-)

[rsinner]

Originally Posted by OfftoSharjah

I hear you and agree!!! Speaking of shorts? What are the expectations for men? I'm not looking forward to the August heat and not a huge fan of long pants other than for work? Ive tried to find out but haven't had much luck. Any advice welcome.

If you are off to Sharjah, then looks like you are stuck with long pants. (Or maybe not)

[Marthabelle]

I just arrived a week ago and I have to say I find the whole dress code thing SO confusing.

Obviously there are signs on the mall doors to tell you to cover shoulders and knees, but it is obvious that this isn't enforced in any way (even looking at the cover of the MOE store guide...lady in dress with strappy top, confusing?!). And if that is the general rule for public spaces, what is the story on beaches, more expat communities etc?

I am only just working it all out and following the current news and I am somewhat torn...when I travel abroad I certainly want to respect the local culture, but this place has such a multi cultural society so surely that makes up some of the 'culture' of Dubai...plus (& don't slate me, I'm still learning about it all) I am not comfortable with the seemingly sexist reasoning behind it all.

I guess it is a case of wear what you feel comfortable being seen in, and if it's itsy bitsy (not my look but hey) be ready for stares and possible comments?

[Gavtek]

Originally Posted by Marthabelle

I guess it is a case of wear what you feel comfortable being seen in, and if it's itsy bitsy (not my look but hey) be ready for stares and possible comments?

Pretty much bang on.

[katiepotato]

Interesting that this law (if imposed) will mainly affect women, but the majority of posters in this thread are male... Are you that bothered by us ladies covering up a bit guys?

Having lived here for four years I don't think it's that hard to dress "appropiately" - which in most situations seems to mean covering shoulders and knees. All it takes is a little bit of thought about where you're going, who you might encounter and what you will feel comfortable wearing. Generally if your destination means you will see more locals, wear something more conservative. I don't feel oppressed by that when it means I will be able to get on with what I need to do without getting stared at - and I grew up in Newcastle, where you can go out in a snowstorm in extremely minimal clothes and no-one will bat an eyelid.

In terms of the mall dress codes - yes it is confusing especially when so many people pay no attention to them at all and there are seemingly no consequences. Having said that, a friend of mine got a "red card" at Dubai Mall for being inappropriately dressed - but she did go in wearing a vest (singlet/tank top, not waistcoat) and her very short running shorts so not a huge surprise. The red card doesn't really mean anything though, they are just issued by mall security not police.

Agree with others that it will be interesting to see what definition of "appropriate" these ladies or the supporting minister come up with...

[Marthabelle]

Originally Posted by katiepotato

I don't think it's that hard to dress "appropiately" - which in most situations seems to mean covering shoulders and knees. All it takes is a little bit of thought about where you're going ...

Agree with others that it will be interesting to see what definition of "appropriate" these ladies or the supporting minister come up with...

You're right it's certainly not hard...light harem pants are now my standard! Though judging by the minis I saw today others struggle with it, or don't care (am guessing most aren't actually actively challenging it!)

As well as a definition of 'appropriate', I'm also wondering how it will be enforced over a variety of really different areas, touristy, local, beaches etc because the wording on a law that asked you to cover up if an Emirati is coming your way would be tricky!

Anyway, interesting for a newbie.