redf

I'm muslim myself but normally wear short skirts and sleeveless blouses.

I understand from searching the forum that covering the shoulders and below knee lenght skirts are alright. I was thinking of doing that during my look see but I only just heard from one of my uncles that if they found out that I was muslim and dressed like that, I would be in big trouble.

The thing is my uncle worked in Kwait many moons ago (like in the 70s) so not sure if what he says still holds. Would it really be an issue if they found out I was muslim and didn't adorn their cultural outfit?

flares

Are you male or female?

redf

considering i wear skirts... female!

Poitin

To be honest I don't wear short skirts or shorts when I go to the mall, school etc and I'm in Dubai and not muslim.
I feel the whole place is getting more conservative and from what I hear Abu dhabi is more so.

Are you here yet? Wear what you think is right for you - and maybe you need a new wadrobe hubby should be pleased about that.

hope this helps

flares

could be Scottish they wear tartan skirts!

The Mrs always takes care to cover up in Abu Dhabi...however a few of the girls at this week's Cityscape event were wearing very short skirts. Not sure how they get away with it.

redf

I thought scottish wear kilts, not skirts!

But were they (those who wear short skirts ) muslims? My main concern is that as a muslim I would get into trouble if I do not wear the cultural outfit over there (not just long sleeve and trousers mind you). My name is very Islamic.
Not there yet - look see is early may

ctfc

No need to worry - Abu Dhabi is pretty relaxed. Many of my staff are female muslims and they wear a wide range of clothing from full hijab to above-the knee skirts and high heels depending on their personal choice.

If you dress as conservatively you would to go to work at a professional job in the UK you'll be fine. Certainly no need to don an abaya and sheyla.

Take a look at Time Out for actual pics of what people wear here: http://www.timeoutabudhabi.com/photos

Ethos83

Plenty of 'westernised' Muslim women wear shorts and sleeveless blouses. You will be fine most of the time. Once you get out here you will quickly pick up what's deemed acceptable and what's not.

norsk

The locals (in all of the gulf countries) tend to think that all expats are non-muslim so unless you carry around a sign or have it tattooed on your forehead you'll be fine. I'm not advocating going to the mall in a mini skirt however. It would likely attract a lot of attention (of the kind you don't want) from local men...

However, if you were caught doing something wrong (drunk in public, kissing in public, etc) then they would likely find out you were muslim and use it to punish you harder. The double-standards run high in this place...

redf

tahnks! that's a lot of help. Was a bit worried initially!