Monday, Jul 21, 2014
Dubai: There is no official dress code when it comes to dining out, officials with Dubai Municipality say, following a complaint that two residents were refused entry to an iftar because of what they were wearing.
If dress codes are enforced, the codes are entirely done so by each establishment, say authorities.
The dress code in restaurants has led to confusion for residents who were turned away by hotel staff after being told that, according to Dubai Municipality’s regulations, they were not aptly dressed to visit the suhour tent.
“When my cousin and I walked into the Ramadan tent [last Friday] at the courtyard at the Royal Mirage, we were told that we wouldn’t be allowed to enter in shorts because of strict instructions from Dubai Municipality banning the wearing of shorts at shisha tents in Ramadan,” said Mohammad A.
“The woman at the entrance apologised and said it was not the hotel’s decision and that they were just following instructions. I thought that was strange because I have been to many other tents in shorts and have never been turned away. Also, there were a number of women wearing short dresses, so it was strange that they would single out only men. I had to go home, change and come back.”
When contacted by Gulf News, the hotel management explained that their staff had been misinformed about the regulations, and that its dress policy was its own and not of the authorities.
During Ramadan, however, it is the norm to be more respectful.
Men wearing shorts and women with uncovered shoulders in Dubai will not be arrested but should exercise discretion and be more considerate of Emirati culture and religion, suggested officials.
In other emirates during Ramadan, it is advisable to cover knees and shoulders.
An official at Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) confirmed that there is no dress code in iftar tents and that each establishment reserves the right to refuse entry according to their own policy.
‘Courteous manner’
According to the DTCM: “In order to avoid potential misunderstandings in regards to entry to outlets, hotels, sport and leisure clubs, restaurants and resorts are strongly urged to clearly post entry rules in Arabic and English at door entrances of its outlets. [They should] also indicate clearly the dress code required by the outlet.”
According to the Dubai Code of Conduct, published by the Dubai Executive Council, it states that: “Dubai has always encouraged its residents to behave in a humble and courteous manner. Therefore, in every part of life, whether it is the clothes people wear, the way they talk or their general behaviour in public, self-respect is vital … moreover, clothing shall not indecently expose parts of the body, be transparent, or display obscene or offensive pictures and slogans.”
The code also clearly states that swimwear shall not be worn outside the beach and that nudity is forbidden and is liable to be punished by imprisonment or deportation.
By Mariam M. Al Serkal Senior Reporter
Gulf News 2014. All rights reserved.
