Dress Code – Revealed

 “The finest clothing made is a person’s skin, but, of course, society demands something more than this” – Mark Twain.

Apparel is often the reflection of the mind, emphasizing on personal freedom and expression. But, when the freedom comes at the cost of public outcry, we pause to stop and look at the root cause for this tumult.  Dubai, being a land of opportunities, is a potpourri of various nationalities. With the diversified mix of nationals there is a convergence of different cultures and accepted standards of living. What one finds as an expression to freedom, the others see it as lewd and repulsive.

The heated argument is what constitutes as acceptably modest dress and vulgarity is as varied as the residents of Dubai. “When in Rome, be a Roman”, but as long as we are not sure about what Romans do or feel, the expats are left lurking the dark. Most of the Expats do agree that they are ignorant of the strict dress code in public places. When they see a number of people wearing skimpy clothes in malls and restaurants, they assume it is acceptable clothing in Dubai and follow suit. The warning sings in mall entrances are not strong enough to enforce the rule on visitors and are mostly ignored.

Longtime residents of Dubai are aware of the dress code during the month of Ramadan, but believe it to be non-existent otherwise. The issue is taking a nasty turn with many Emirati terming expats as being insensitive to the values of Muslims and corrupting the minds of youngsters. The prevalent sentiment echoed by the Emiratis is the discomfort to be around a swimming pool, clad in Abhaya, while the rest just flaunt around ,their stuff itself is ghastly. Why would they want to see skin in the malls too?

For the world, Dubai projects the High Life with innovative buildings and manmade wonders blurring the other Emirates steeped in tradition. It is a rare sight to see a foreigner dressed in revealing clothes in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah due to the fact that it is heavily populated by the Emirati and the expats who reside there have accepted their way of life. Dubai being a melting pot, the demarcation is bleak with bikini being acceptable in beach and dressing below the knee at public places. “Dubai is pretty tolerant to foreigners and I have always assumed that what I wear reflects my personality. I have been started at on many occasions for the shorts and tank tops, but have never been questioned about it giving me the impression that it’s ok. Now that I know of the issue I am willing to cover up”, says Carla Wilson, from South Wales.

The need of the hour is extensive awareness drive as done by the British Embassy last year to educate their citizens of what is the accepted standard of living in Dubai. A better understanding of our host nation will bring an amicable solution than passing a law enforcing dress code. A young Emirati feels that imposing a law would drive away tourist, and make UAE appear as a hostile nation to Women. “We need to clarify our stand and educate the public about our rich culture and garner respect, instead of shunning them away with a law”.

The case boils down to both parties agreeing on the need of a standardized dress code. Enforcing a law is viewed by many as a bitter medicine to cure the disease plaguing UAE. While the expat view it as a whip on their back, and would prefer a milder approach enabling them to coexist in harmony with the Emiratis.

No one is striving here to prove a point with their outlook, but what they need to realize is that Emiratis have a style of their own which exuberates with the confidence and values and not by means of appearance.

Nithya Kamakshi Pradeep