Dubai is back in the press for all the wrong reasons. It appears a British woman has been arrested and charged with indecency after being caught walking through a Dubai mall in a bikini. The tourist is believed to have been arrested after a complaint from a local that she was dressed indecently at the Dubai Mall, which opened in 2009 and is the world’s largest shopping mall.
The British woman is believed to have walked through the mall in a rather revealing top, prompting a complaint from a local woman. This is not the first time that a single complaint from a local emirate has led to the arrest of Britons. Daily Mail reported that the woman apparently stayed in a bikini, leading to her arrest. The Foreign Office also reportedly confirmed that the woman was arrested and charged, although the charges have since been dropped.
She said: “We are aware of the case. We have offered consular assistance.” But she said the charges have since been dropped.
A British couple received a three-month prison sentence in 2008 after being found guilty of having sex on a beach, while earlier this year another young couple was jailed for a month after they were allegedly caught kissing on a beach. restaurant, which was something the couple reported to be a kiss on the cheek.
The advice for visitors wishing to travel to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates is published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and reminds tourists that local laws reflect the fact that it is an Islamic country, saying: “You must respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times”. at all times, and be aware of your actions to ensure they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs. Women should dress modestly when in public areas, such as shopping malls. Clothing must cover upper arms and legs, and undergarments must not be visible.
Luxury villas in Dubai were in demand, but in 2008 Dubai’s economy fell off the edge of a cliff after the global crisis finally reached the Middle East and investors withdrew from the booming Dubai property market. Since then, Dubai has struggled to get anywhere near the business it previously had, and the return of 2008 seems a long way off, although many visitors still come to enjoy Dubai’s hotels and other holiday accommodation.
However, Dubai offers a safe environment due to its strict laws and also offers year-round sunshine and a luxurious lifestyle. Dubai seems incapable of ignoring bad publicity, but is it acceptable for women to walk around the malls you come from in bikinis?
