soukie

Interesting comment, I was only thinking the other day that there are more people wandering around Abu Dhabi in strapless or shoe string tops and I even saw someone crossing the Corniche Road in a bikini

TGFKASE

I too have heard that it is AbDabs way of stamping their control..

But it doesnt actually help the UAE, and AbDab especially, if they want a return on their investment, other than the worlds largest phallic symbol named after them..

Interestingly, Arabian Business are reporting that they have now ordered a ban on alcohol used in recipes.

Hmmm, methinks, somewhere, there are some fundies starting to get their point across....

Bijilo123

It may also be that they are just not being as tolerant as they need to be. I know it does not happen now but the police used to be a lot more tolerant to say drinking and the construction companies such as Costain had a drinking den in J1 and the police were fine with that. But all of the time this was against the rules as was immodest dress. If you contrast with the behaviour of the police in KSA / Kuwait then social control in Dubai is well relaxed.

If ladies wish to have greater freedom in what they wear in public in UAE then how does that reconcile with Europe taking a stand against women wearing Bhurkas there?

Millhouse

I have noticed this in Abu Dhabi too. To be honest, I actually find it a bit unacceptable as men think that they can join in too and I don't want to see a gut lord marching across the crossing.

I think the AD influence in Dubai is nonsense to be honest. My understanding is that quite a lot of the money has been coming from Saudi which might explain it.

Or maybe, it's just the standard thing... when it all goes tits up people turn to religion for answers and this is what you are seeing in Dubai.

flares

is probably the right answer

Mischief Queen

There are plenty of countries in the world where you need to cover up who have successful tourist industries... I'm always bemused as to why Dubai seems to be singled out as unique in this regard. I'm also slightly bemused as to why it's an issue? If I want to go out in a low cut top I wear a pashmina until I'm in the bar/club I'm going to. If I'm going to mall, I don't find it a hardship to put my baps away (challenging though this is given their size!)... if this basic respect was shown then this need for enforcing a law would not exist. It never needed to be a big deal until expats made it one. In our own homes/bars/clubs we can pretty much wear what we want, in public areas (parks/malls/the street) - put the "girls" away and cover your shoulders and knees... really - what's the problem? If we are at the point where we feel wearing spaghetti straps is a fundamental human right then I think perhaps we need to look a little closer at real human rights hardships and get a grip.

MataHari

you took the words right out of my mouth there...
there is a place and a time for certain clothes...I am sure no one is going to fine you when you wear beach wear on the beach or around the pool...or when you wear a strappy dress in a bar or a club...but why oh why is it that women feel the need to go to Spinneys or the mall in those type of clothes is beyond me...does it really feel comfortable to be bending over the frozen foods section in a miniskirt...
The rules have always been the same here, and because most people stuck to them, there was never any need to go around giving fines...but over the past few years more and more people seem to think it's ok to walk around half dressed, so of course they are now doing something about it.

Bahtatboy

Could it be that AD is trying to influence Dubai to become stricter while AD stays relaxed? Never heard of any problem here (in AD), and have seen a good many floozies (unreformed) with wares on display (and I tend to notice these things) wandering around untroubled by the local constabulary (while at the same time giving taxi drivers, labourers, the massed sans-coulotte et al a nice treat).

And please, MH, I'm trying to work--conjouring up visions of pretty much anyone bending over the frozen fish freezer in a mini-skirt isn't called for...

littlejimmy

It is. People start migrating to extremes during times of hardship...for answers and for someone to blame. In the West we see this manifested in increased support for far right parties.

Millhouse

spot on. When people are busy making money they worry about these things. When the money tree stops growing, they get bored and cause all sorts of problems.

MataHari

here she is putting the groceries away...now get back to work

Bahtatboy

I think I recognise her...

Ronnie Biggs

That looks like 98% of expat women in Abu Dhabi to me.....

Millhouse

fantastic! I'd love a good ol-go on that!

Bahtatboy

Actually I'm puzzled. Shutterstock is a photo library for media professionals; I'm really struggling to imagine what possible media use this photo could have. Certainly not for promoting the shoes or the small red parachute. Certainly not for Magnet Kitchens. I suppose it might demonstrate the stength of the flooring--500 lbs/sqin? Any suggestions?