Take Your T-Shirts to Dubai

Friday 19th of August 2011 01:12:03 AM

Take Your T-Shirts to Dubai

Dubai is a shopping haven for a million United Kingdom travelers, but periodically clash of cultures takes place. Last year there were 265 UK visitors arrested out of those million and many of those arrests can be attributed to of lack of knowledge of the country’s customs. The numbers were quoted by the Foreign Office which reminds Britons they must adhere to Dubai’s customs when visiting.

A British woman once caused a scene at a Dubai shopping mall after she was told that she was not dressed appropriately. An Arab woman claimed that her clothing was too revealing. In a fit of anger, the British woman took off her outer clothing and was only wearing a bikini. She was charged with indecency, or officially, “outraging public decency.”

This story ended well according to the London Evening Standard. The charges were dropped because video footage showed she was wearing full clothing before she stripped and was obviously dressed ready to go swimming. Her outfit was a see-through kaftan worn over the bikini top and shorts. She would have been better off wearing one of her more modest <t-shirts.

Dubai encourages UK visitors but with the understanding that they will honor the country’s Islamic based rules. This includes women dressing modestly and no public displays of affection. Britons have recently been arrested more frequently for rule violations. In fact, some of the cases have been broadcast internationally. Though Britons are not used to being told what to wear, it is important to honor the rules of the country in which you are a visitor. So next time you pack for Dubai, it would be good to consider packing your t-shirts and polo shirts instead of skimpy shirts and see-through cover-ups. It just might keep you out of trouble!