Qatar launches campaign for 'modest' dress code for tourists
May 2014
“The amount of immodest clothing is growing in public places, especially shopping malls. Such foreigner behaviour conflicts with our traditions,” Nasser Al Maliki, the centre’s public relations chief told Gulf News.
“We do not want our kids to be exposed to it or learn from it, and that’s why we will start this campaign.”
Qatar, which will host the World Cup in 2022, has a population of just over 2 million people and uses Sharia law as the main source of its legislation.
It is home to about 17,500 British nationals and 40,000 more visit every year, according to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
Article 57 of its constitution stipulates that it is a “duty of all” who reside in or enter the country to “abide by public order and morality, observe national traditions and established customs”.
Wearing clothes considered indecent is illegal and uttering “indecent phrases” or doing anything thought obscene in public is punishable with a fine and up to six months in prison.
The campaign reflects the FCO’s advice for visitors to respect local customs and laws at all times and ensure their actions do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs.
Official travel advice states that people should “dress modestly” in public and repeats guidance about covering shoulders and knees.
The “reflect your respect” campaign has drawn a mixed response on Twitter.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/qatar-launches-campaign-for-modest-dress-code-fo...
