Oman Gets Tough On Expats And Tourists Who Dress Inappropriately

Expats in Oman as well as short term visitors are being urged to dress according to local codes and customs.

Oman’s expat community are now being urged to respect the local culture by following dress codes. The message is being sent by local council members as well as by Shura officials along with calls for far stricter enforcement of the rules governing correct dress. A local report confirms expats are now being seen flouting the dress code regulations, and can expect fines should this continue.

It would seem both male and female expatriates are now not bothering to adhere to the strict forms of dress required by the emirate, especially in public places such as malls. Legislation is now being proposed in order to clarify the rules and legally determine permitted dress in public places. According to local media, officials are now calling on tourists and foreign nationals living and working in the emirate to respect Omani culture and its codes and traditions in order to avoid causing offence to local people.

Modest dress as defined is displayed on signs at entrances to malls and is concentrated on the coverage of shoulders and knees. A representative of the Muscat Municipal Council told local media that Omani shopkeepers and their customers have been making complaints concerning expats’ inappropriate attire, adding the wearing of indecent clothing in a public place offends others and is not to be seen as an expression of personal freedom. The offence carries jail time of between one and three months and fines between OMR 100 and 300 if convicted.