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Gulf state issues behaviour guidelines
18 MAR 2009: Dubai revealed new behaviour guidelines last weekend in
the local media, which, if approved and enforced, could deal yet
another blow to Dubai's carefully cultivated image of a more relaxed
cosmopolitan centre within the Gulf. Last year, Dubai’s more
conservative codes were abruptly publicized after a British couple was
convicted for having sex on a beach. Their prison sentence was
suspended, and they were fined and deported.
While it remains unclear if they will become law, the new instructions ranging on issues from miniskirts to angry outbursts — could replace existing "suggestions" for modest dress and decorum and give police more leeway for fines or arrests in places such as beaches and malls, and make it clear that Dubai is governed by rulers with traditional and conservative Gulf sensibilities.
The outlines of the possible new restrictions first appeared in Al Emarat al Youm, an Arabic-language newspaper with close ties to Dubai's ruling family.
• Dancing and playing loud music in public will be banned.
• Couples kissing, holding hands or hugging could face fines or detention.
• Miniskirts and skimpy shorts would no longer be tolerated outside hotels and other private areas.
• Bikini wearers would not be allowed on public beaches - only on the fenced-off sands of luxury resorts.
• Drinking alcohol outside licensed premises would be banned
• Swearing and displaying rude gestures in public, would not be tolerated.
Despite the proposed laws, it's unlikely any crackdown would spill over to Dubai's many resorts and nightclubs, where booze flows freely and the attire is the same as any tropical vacation spot.
For now, the rules appear to be aimed at one of Dubai's main tourist draws - the mega-malls that serve as full-service entertainment hubs and where already, signs encourage shoppers to respect local customs and wear modest clothing.
Dubai's indigenous population is apparently concerned the city's culture favours foreigners.
Emiratis make up only about 20% of the population which is dominated by Asian migrant workers, Western expats and tourists.
Some local leaders have demanded the government act to preserve religious values and tribal traditions.
After the sex-on-the-beach trial, the prominent Jumeirah Group five-star hotel chain issued an advisory for Western tourists, warning guests that drunken behaviour in public is punished severely and recommended tourists be discreet with public displays of affection.
Anything more than a "peck on the cheek could offend those around you and even possibly lead to police involvement," the advisory said.
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