Time for re-dressing, it’s Ramadan

Time for re-dressing, it’s Ramadan Dhanusha Gokulan / 7 July 2013 So how short is short?” enquired 26-year-old Irish Maria Nolan. A first-time tourist in Dubai, Nolan and her friend have been in Dubai for a fortnight and according to them, “we have been spending time doing all the touristy things. Before coming to the city, we did have a look at what is culturally acceptable and what is not. But the city surprised us,” said Nolan. A week ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, residents and tourists are being notified about the dress code policy in public places. Last year, the issue sparked serious debates on various online forums and mass media. The discussions did raise a lot of awareness among both residents and tourists. The twitter account @UAEDressCode became largely popular among the Twitterati and are continuing their campaign to raise awareness on ‘what is acceptable and what is not’. Wear what you want without offending culture: Scholars Ahmed Shaaban Islamic researcher Dr Shaikh Mohammed Ashmawy says offensive practices and skimpy outfits are not acceptable in public, particularly in shopping centres, malls, and places with crowded people. “Normally, such acts are not tolerated for since they are a real threat to the stability of the society and violate the culture, tradition and religion of the country. Visitors and residents should respect the UAE rules and traditions.” Indian Scholar Shaikh Mohammed Yusuf, Imam of a Masjid here, said people are free to wear what they want, yet without offending others in public. Debbie Jaunich from the Shaikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding explains residents and visitors are asked to be mindful of their dress, in particular during Ramadan because Muslims will be fasting during daylight hours, and fasting is a form of worship. “It is all really about recognising the holy month and its disciplines, which include avoiding wrongdoing and perfecting good behaviour, which includes modest dress.” According to the decency and public conduct rules, residents and visitors may not be well aware that an Islamic country has its own code of address, particularly during holy occasions, such as Ramadan. “Women have to avoid indecent dresses that expose their stomach and back, short clothing above the knee, tight and transparent clothing that reveals the body or its shape. Men should not wear short pants in public places or display bare chest and arms.” Abu Abdullah, Egyptian accountant, said Ramadan is a sacred month when Muslims maximise their efforts to get closer to Allah. “Worshippers do not want anything to disturb them or spoil their fasting during the holy month.” ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com  Online debaters are continuing discussions on the forum. Vicki Attoe, with the Twitter handle @soundthend4ever said on her account: “Flyers must be handed out at airports.” This year, shopping malls like The Dubai Mall have been distributing leaflets to visitors of the mall reminding both men and women to dress appropriately while being on the premises of the mall. Most shopping malls have also placed stickers and posters reminding people to dress in a way that is not offend the cultural sensitivities of the place. However, for those who are new to the place, are a little confused about what is appropriate and what is not. “If the mall authorities do not want us wearing short skirts and hot pants, why are they selling them? I have grown up here and I understand what is acceptable and what is not. But for a tourist, if shorts are being sold in stores, he or she would assume that it is okay to wear it,” said Ananya P, a 20-year-old Dubai resident. According to a statement issued by an official at The Dubai Mall, guest service representatives and security personnel have been instructed to hand out flyers to shoppers ‘discreetly and courteously, to remind any guests about the need to respect the region’s cultural ethos’. Vishal Mahajan, director of Dubai Outlet Mall, said: “Any clothing which enables more than necessary body exposure or does not suit the place of public, within the norms of a social/public place may be unacceptable.” Mall authorities have also gone on to state that the dress code policy is not limited to the month of Ramadan, but people must accept it as a regular norm. “The Dubai Mall underlines its commitment to the values and customs of the UAE, and urges all visitors to adhere to its dress code policy. Most of our visitors are aware of the dress code policy. But given that the city hosts visitors from around the world – some of them are not aware of the cultural sensitivities of the country – we take extra care in highlighting the mall’s courtesy policy for the benefit of all,” said the statement.  Furthermore, “for more awareness, the courtesy policy is printed in two types of flyers in eight languages (English, Arabic, French, Russian, Italian, German, Hindi and Chinese). Flyers printed in DL size that are provided at the 11 guest service desks located around the mall and are also available in a pocket size version handed politely to the mall visitors, who might be unaware, reminding them of the policy. We are committed to ensuring the social and cultural morals of the UAE and encourage visitors to respect the country’s cultural sensitivities.” Though none of the mall authorities has said anything about any kind of action being taken against them, they said that security personnel have been only instructed to make them aware of the dress code policies. Mahajan said: “In such a situation the mall management very politely makes the concerned person aware of the dress code policy in the mall and requests them to abide by the same. Mahajan added: “Dubai Outlet Mall’s courtesy policy, signs and stickers are displayed at the entrances of the mall and in visible places for customer to see. A respectful dress code should be followed at all times inside the mall. We do not circulate flyers but in extreme cases, carefully communicate in person through trained customer service staff. We uphold the values of the country and the religion at all times. The mall uses its different online and print mediums such as website, Facebook, Twitter and magazines to reach out to the masses and communicate the messages to the visitors. For the walk-in customers, signs and notices are displayed around the mall. Another resident, Jamila Masuniddin, said: “It’s not just the tourists but sometimes even residents walk-in in very skimpy attire. It’s the summer and these clothes are being sold in shops. You can’t expect them not to wear these clothes because it is confusing. Why sell them if it is not acceptable?” dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com Taylor Scott International