After an intense debate in the capital of the United Arab Emirates – which, as some might not expect, played out over Twitter – Abu Dhabi now has a dress code and a set of behavioral guidelines for tourists to follow during their visit.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Police have compiled the dos-and-don’ts in a booklet that would be available at the airport and hotels. Brig Gen Omair Al Mihiri, deputy director general of police operations, said the pamphlets were designed to increase the sense of security among tourists and to keep them from being penalized unnecessarily. "The pamphlet was prepared to educate tourists on rules of public behavior," he said. "It includes trends and behavior which is uncivilized and would make them subject to prosecution."
Some of the rules stated in the pamphlet would seem to need to explanation, such as the fact that possession or abuse of drugs, prostitution, and drunk driving are all illegal activities. Moreover, the pamphlet says that these actions are "local values and traditions".
Other requirements are ones that tourists might not be as aware of. For example, during the month of Ramadan, which is when a month-long holy fast takes place, The National reports that “tourists are asked to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public places during daylight hours.” Travelers should also be aware that kissing and other public displays of affection are frowned upon because the natives consider these actions indecent.
The guidelines also offer advice about travel safety, such as only using supervised beaches, not carrying large sums of cash, locking vehicles, keeping valuables hidden, and being sure to carry identification at all times.
Police said the pamphlets were available in Arabic, English, Russian, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Korean, Spanish, Urdu and Hindi.
Officials say that the new guidelines and the federal dress code won’t have a negative affect of tourism because it would only be in effect in public places like public streets and malls. Locations like the beach wouldn’t be affected, so tourists can continue to wear swimsuits. They can also wear shorts in places where they are unlikely to mix with local families who might take offense.
Dr Fatima Al Sayegh, a member of the Dubai Cultural Council and author of The UAE from Tribe to Statehood, said the law was urgently needed. "It is about time for this law because the things we see in streets, malls - it is not appropriate for a Muslim country," he said.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
