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Modest dress campaign revived with new ‘You matter in Qatar’ slogan

  • Lesley Walker
  • May 4, 2015
  • 4 minute read
Reflect You Respect event at Villaggio in 2014
Reflect You Respect event at Villaggio Mall in 2014

A local campaign to promote modest dress in public places is entering its fourth summer with a new slogan, and an expanded focus that includes the clothing and behavior of Qataris as well as expats.

When the grassroots initiative to call attention to how people dress began in 2012, it was dubbed “One of Us.”

But the name was changed last year to “Reflect Your Respect,” based on feedback from some non-Qataris. Now, the campaign has returned with a new message: “You matter in Qatar.”

Previously, organizers increased their efforts during Ramadan, drawing attention to the clothing of non-Qatari tourists and residents, and advising them how to dress without offending local values and culture.Reflect Your Respect

Leaflets showed pictograms of appropriate and offensive levels of dress and groups of mostly women and children visited shopping malls and parks, handing out literature, shawls and chocolates.

Though Qatar is a conservative Islamic country, the law does not define modest dress.

Article 57 of the Qatari constitution states that “abiding by public order and morality, observing national traditions and established customs is a duty of all who reside in the State of Qatar or enter its territory.”

However, the group behind the modesty campaign has said that women and men should cover at least their shoulders and knees, and not wear tight, revealing or provocative clothing.

This year’s events

Photo for illustrative purposes only.
Photo for illustrative purposes only.

As the weather heats up and Ramadan approaches, volunteers will continue to circulate their message in malls, a spokeswoman for the group told Doha News.

Umm Abdullah added that members of the campaign have been trying to talk to Qataris in public places to reinforce the group’s message of modesty in all aspects of life.

This was in response to comments during previous campaigns that some expats felt they were being singled out while other behaviors in society were ignored, she said, continuing:

“Our campaign is not only about dress code. It is about supporting modesty in all behaviors in the state, for men and women.

Foreigners said to us: ‘why do you attack us, and Qataris are wearing perfume, heavy makeup, tight pants, high heels.’ We are addressing everyone. I speak to Qatari people too, telling them how to dress properly in public places like malls and hospitals,” she told Doha News.

The group has also revised its branding this year, in an effort to be more inclusive and to convey their message more positively, Umm Abdullah said.

Campaign T shirt
Campaign T shirt

T-shirts, leaflets and literature have been designed with a heart symbol and show images in a circle, with the words: “You matter in Qatar: Respecting the customs and traditions of this country that welcomes all guests.”

“We are trying to make it more appealing to people from all countries. This year, we want to focus on advising people what they can wear, not so much what they can’t wear,” she added.

Volunteers from “Reflect Your Respect” have organized talks, workshops and seminars with children in local schools as well as with local international women’s groups in a bid to raise awareness of the issue of modest dress.

The group also held an event at Katara Opera House last Friday, which featured talks and short skits performed by some pupils from independent schools in Qatar regarding modest dress code and behavior.

https://twitter.com/ryrqatar/status/594842733501550593

Photos of the event show that Katara’s General Manager, Dr. Khalid Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, along with the Libyan Ambassador to Qatar Abdel Monsef Hafiz Albouri, attended the relaunch of the campaign.

But speaking to Doha News, Al Sulaiti said that while he did attend the start of the event “for a couple of minutes,” Katara was only providing a venue, and is not an official supporter or sponsor of the campaign.

د. خالد السليطي مدير عام #كتارا والسفير الليبي عبد المنصف البوري في أمسية "أنت غير في قطر الخير" بدار الأوبرا pic.twitter.com/Iusz3QOjCQ

— كتارا | Katara (@kataraqatar) May 1, 2015

Previously, there was talk of involving the Qatar Tourism Authority in the campaign, but the QTA has also said it is not an official supporter of the movement.

Dress code

Expats make up more than 85 percent of Qatar’s population, and the dress code debate has long been an ongoing source of tension here.

Just a few weeks ago, an altercation between a local woman and an expat family over dress was uploaded to YouTube, garnering 63,000 views and spurring Twitter discussion over what the appropriate way would have been to discuss the issue.

Passions are likely to heighten as the temperatures soar and as Ramadan begins in mid-June this year.

Still, Umm Abdullah said that she is hopeful the campaign will mend divisions between groups in Qatar:

“People come here from different countries and cultures and many of them do not know what they should be wearing here in Qatar.

A clash of cultures affects all sides and we don’t want this. We want to reach a middle line – we don’t want two groups with one covered top-to-toe and another not covering at all. We know many of the people who come here are not Muslims, and we are not asking them to cover up but just dress respectfully,” she added.

Thoughts?

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256 Comments
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R.D.H
R.D.H
7 years ago

Well it seems less passive-agressive than last years – which is good

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago

How about concentrating on smoking in malls, (You caricogenic smoke affects the health of others) or your driving matters (as you can kill and maim other people on the roads.).

I’ve never known how someone dresses to affect the health of any other person.

However I respect their right to peaceful protest as long as they don’t try to intimidate or coerce others into following their opinions.

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

I’m going to the protest in my speedo

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  desertCard

In fact this campaign wants me to dress badly just to protest.

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

lol exactly. maybe just an athletic supported aka jock stap instead.

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Scarletti
Scarletti
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

get out those Budgie Smugglers for your next trip to Ezdan !

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Actually a protest about the open prostitutin in Qatar might be useful. Surely on the moral scale that is worse than a short skirt

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Grantley
Grantley
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Yes, that is a fair point. The Radisson Blu car park is full of them of an evening.

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Problem being you bust the johns and gonna be a lot of thobes in the clink

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  desertCard

Probably some of these people pushing the modesty campaign as well…..

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

True that. Those most pious are usually the worst offenders.

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عبدالله الهتمي
عبدالله الهتمي
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Continue with the harrassment. This issue affects the Qatari public as people wear this in malls because stripper clothes are the norm im modern day europe.

You dont like it simply leave go to the UAE.

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ShabinaKhatri
ShabinaKhatri
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Deleting for being off topic. It seems like you bring this up on every thread!

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Bingo
Bingo
7 years ago
Reply to  ShabinaKhatri

How can I see what GUEST said….I always miss his comments…

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kdineshl
kdineshl
7 years ago
Reply to  Bingo

lol. I think once someones thread is deleted, the alias turns in to ‘guest’. Is that right Shabina?

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kdineshl
kdineshl
7 years ago
Reply to  kdineshl

guess Im wrong!

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  ShabinaKhatri

I bring it up because something that is illegal in Qatar and it conducted in full view is never raised, yet silly items like what people wear becomes a major issues!

I guess too many important people are making too much money of this trade.

Still waiting on the Doha News item on this….. and don’t tell me there is no evidence…

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Abdulrahman
Abdulrahman
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Hahaha, Shabina deleted your comment :p

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  Abdulrahman

She loves me really. When I finally get to meet her I’ll buy her a drink

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Simon
Simon
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

And then go to Star of India? Class, eh??!!

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ShabinaKhatri
ShabinaKhatri
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

These are the perfect types of things to bring up on our private member’s forum, or at our meet-ups for members… (deleting rest of the thread for irrelevance)

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Abdulrahman
Abdulrahman
7 years ago
Reply to  ShabinaKhatri

Hi Shabina; I don’t think you hear this enough, so let me just say to you and the rest of the Doha News team, good job.

Now, if you don’t mind, may I make few suggestions to help you generate money so that the business keep on running:

1) How about allowing people to view deleted comments for a fee? You could even set different fees depending on how bad the comment was.

2) It’s clear that any story involving dress code campaigns and alcohol access regulations will ignite the passion of the people here. So, why not have people a fee for every additional comment, after the 1st one they make here? The fee could be higher if the comment is a reply to another comment. This will either bring in some cash flow, or at least reduce your needing to constantly moderate the comments section as there will less of them.

Just a thought 😉

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  Abdulrahman

LOL

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ShabinaKhatri
ShabinaKhatri
7 years ago
Reply to  Abdulrahman

Lol, thank you for the kind words and suggestions. 🙂

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ppmc
ppmc
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Absolutely right.
More important things could be made…

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Mohammed ALTamimi
Mohammed ALTamimi
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

What is modest to one can be immodest to another.

I sometimes wonder if the idea behind this campaign is to justify forcing women to cover up?

How about everyone chooses their own clothes like an adult and stop caring about what others choose to wear?

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Bajn
Bajn
7 years ago
Reply to  Mohammed ALTamimi

It is about power. That is why it is getting a lot of push-back(online only I guess).

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  Mohammed ALTamimi

They will claim it will be for both sexes but it is aimed at women, an insidious way to turn society against them and make them obey the wishes of men. It’s a form of control.
I agree why can’t people be left to lead their own lives without such moralising as if they are some sort of higher power. Is that too much to ask in this world. If they believe other people are going against God’s wishes then that is their problem, not yours so let God decide.

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Bingo
Bingo
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Totally Agree….

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Anonymouse
Anonymouse
7 years ago

As long as any slogan less confusing than that previous motto, which I frankly didn’t understand.

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anon
anon
7 years ago

Actually, hot weather is no reason to wear tight clothes that show a lot of skin anyway. The experts’ advice is that it’s more comfortable to wear lightweight, loose clothing that covers the skin.

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Michael Fryer
Michael Fryer
7 years ago
Reply to  anon

Bring back the pith helmet! And the safari suit is due for a makeover too.

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Gracie
Gracie
7 years ago

It’s funny those mini pics of what is not allowed, so many x’s.
Feeling devastated I missed out on the free shawl and chocolates. It’s easy to abide by the dress code inside malls with the air con causing frost bite, sometimes I just want to curl up in a corner of ice and tell my friends to leave me, run outside and save themselves.

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Doc
Doc
7 years ago

I wish they would do this in some of the low end supermarkets back in the UK. Some of the clothes worn in them put me off my microwave chicken korma.

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Bornrich
Bornrich
7 years ago
Reply to  Doc

I wish the old dears would cover up too! Varicose veins are enough to put anyone off their Tesco tagliatelle microwave meal.

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  Doc

I’m not sure a dressing gown counts as “clothes”

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Andrew
Andrew
7 years ago
Reply to  Doc

To quote Karl Lagerfeld…

‘Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.’

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Waveydavey
Waveydavey
7 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

What else am I supposed to wear when cleaning my house? That’s mean Karl! I love my sweatpants!!!

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Daniel Schriefer
Daniel Schriefer
7 years ago
Reply to  Waveydavey

In your house? You can do the cleaning naked without wearing ‘revealing’ clothes.

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Waveydavey
Waveydavey
7 years ago
Reply to  Daniel Schriefer

Haha, I’m sure my husband would be pleased about that!!

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al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  Waveydavey

Get a cleaner 🙂

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Lisa Clayton
Lisa Clayton
7 years ago
Reply to  Doc

Check out http://www.peopleofwalmart.com t see the American version 🙂

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Grantley
Grantley
7 years ago

I’ve lived here for 7 years and in the past year or two have seen an increase in inappropriate dress in malls and other public places so I understand the need for campaigns such as this. I wonder if it would help to have expats also handing out leaflets and pointing out dress codes? I’m often tempted to do just that…

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Osama Alassiry AlMaadeed
Osama Alassiry AlMaadeed
7 years ago
Reply to  Grantley

You can join the campaign.

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  Grantley

What I suggest these people do is to lobby the government to only recruit Muslims from Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Afghanistan, Indonesia and India that fit their criteria of ‘correctly’ dressed expats.

This would also mean the end to hiring westerners and Filipinos as the main offenders in their campaign.

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عبدالله الهتمي
عبدالله الهتمي
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Lol what a douche bag you get paid for what you do. Now Leave lets see Qatar crumble into a failed state since ur so important

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  عبدالله الهتمي

I’d guess one of us is doing what could’ve been your work but not in the local vocabulary it seems.

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ShabinaKhatri
ShabinaKhatri
7 years ago
Reply to  عبدالله الهتمي

Deleting for personal attack and subsequent thread.

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Anon
Anon
7 years ago
Reply to  Grantley

You mean expats pointing out the inappropriateness of fully covered ladies, even with gloves? A sure sign of the controlling patriarchy at work….men in comfortable breezy thobes, women in heat-absorbing full covering. Centuries of envy and control in the name of ‘modesty’ are hard to let go of……….

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Saeed Ahmad Khan
Saeed Ahmad Khan
7 years ago

I want to join or be part of the campaign.

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  Saeed Ahmad Khan

Get your badge and harass women in shopping malls. It’ll make you feel good I’m sure

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Saeed Ahmad Khan
Saeed Ahmad Khan
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Troll

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  Saeed Ahmad Khan

No, that is exactly what you will do. It’s a sexist campaign aimed at intimidating women

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Saeed Ahmad Khan
Saeed Ahmad Khan
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Troll

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Bajn
Bajn
7 years ago
Reply to  Saeed Ahmad Khan

someone learnt a new word today

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Saeed Ahmad Khan
Saeed Ahmad Khan
7 years ago
Reply to  Bajn

One more troll

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Yacine
Yacine
7 years ago
Reply to  Saeed Ahmad Khan

A nobody calling the main commenter on the site, MMIH, a troll.
I think Shabina should start blocking stupid commenters.

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  Saeed Ahmad Khan

Says the troll.

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Bajn
Bajn
7 years ago
Reply to  Saeed Ahmad Khan

A whip perhaps?

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Get the morality police like in Saudi with cane switches beating people who don’t conform.

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Saeed Ahmad Khan
Saeed Ahmad Khan
7 years ago
Reply to  desertCard

Like in saudi, but not like saudi. This is qatar and qatari loves to give respect to visitors.

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Bajn
Bajn
7 years ago
Reply to  Saeed Ahmad Khan

Tough respect?

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  Saeed Ahmad Khan

LOL that’s what this whole debate is about. Lack of respect. Who do they, and I suspect you’re part of the “who”, respect?

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al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  Saeed Ahmad Khan

Do the visitors know that?

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irobot
irobot
7 years ago

it’s a never ending debate of why the locals impose such restrictions and how its everyone’s
right to wear what makes them comfortable and how Qatar will host WC with such conditions
and how Qataris travel abroad and where skimpy clothes and then some radical
says if you can’t stay you can go back to your country and blah blah blah .. well
this my personal opinion

1. Modest attire is the law of the land.. I’m sure everyone is
familiar with dress code policies at institutions, at work and even at many
high end venues where you’re required to adhere to a certain dress code and I don’t
see anyone rioting over that.

2. In the coming months where the temperature peaks anyone in
their right mind would advise to cover up than go bare because it’s clearly not
the sunbathing weather unless you want to end up with some skin ailment

3. I’m sure no one here likes when things change in their own
country due to influx of other ethnicities so let’s all just calm down and fulfil
our objectives of coming to work here than try to bash the locals at every opportunity
you get.

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Expat77
Expat77
7 years ago
Reply to  irobot

Agree to your view points ..we should respect local culture and Dress codes. But still don’t understand the culture of ban on changing jobs without NOC.

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Abdulrahman
Abdulrahman
7 years ago
Reply to  irobot

One correction, and it’s an important one; it’s not all or even most locals who are behind this, nor is the support coming from locals only! There many expats, most noticeably Muslim ones, who are even more adamant about the need for modest dressing while in public spaces here.

However, I agree with your 3 points, especially the one about the harsh sun; I don’t understand people who say they want to wear less, exposing arms, legs, and more, because it’s too hot. Unless you plan to drench your self in heavy sun screen, you really need light fabric covering most of your body to protect you from the sun.

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Mr. B
Mr. B
7 years ago
Reply to  Abdulrahman

That last point you make is true if you’re spending sustained periods of time in the sun. But life in Doha is often a rush from one AC-controlled environment to another (car to house, office to car, etc.) It can help quite a great deal to be able to wear shorts during these short runs and not feel like you must wear jeans or other long pants. Thinner, lighter shirts, as well, also can help.

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Silver John Santos
Silver John Santos
7 years ago

I am a Filipino, 20yrs old. And whenever We are going out with my family I used to wear the thobe because I am enjoying wearing it, and also, I respect the culture of Qataris, and truly, whenever I am wearing it I feel that I am one of them (Qataris) and it’s much enjoyable to wear at this season of summer with extreme heat or temperature 🙂
And many Qataris also want to have a picture with me 🙂 IloveQatar!

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Yacine
Yacine
7 years ago
Reply to  Silver John Santos

I like the thobe as well. I used to wear it when I first came here and I was thinking this is the best thing one can wear, very comfortable, always white and clean ,etc. And then I started hearing comments like “are you trying to get the Qatari citizenship” and “hey where is your Ghutra you look like our Indian driver” then I decided to go back to my trousers and shirts and keep my thobes for mosque visits.

0
desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  Yacine

As long as you have no work to do it’s a great outfit. Otherwise….

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A_qtr
A_qtr
7 years ago
Reply to  desertCard

I see what u did there… Yes funny indeed

0
fullmoon07
fullmoon07
7 years ago
Reply to  Yacine

very comfortable white dish-dashe made in white cotton! Why abayas are black and made in synthetic textile, ideal for this heat?

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Bajn
Bajn
7 years ago
Reply to  Silver John Santos

You must love attention 🙂

0
fullmoon07
fullmoon07
7 years ago
Reply to  Silver John Santos

are you sure they consider you are one of them?

0
edna
edna
7 years ago
Reply to  fullmoon07

Haha

0
Heisenberg
Heisenberg
7 years ago
Reply to  Silver John Santos

Give this man a cookie

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Andrew
Andrew
7 years ago
Reply to  Silver John Santos

Maybe I hang around with the wrong class of Qatari, but when they see a non-GCC Arab wearing the thobe what they say to me isn’t what they are saying to you. And if they want a picture with you, it’s not for the reason you are probably thinking.

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al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  Silver John Santos

Have you bought a Land Cruiser?

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Yacine
Yacine
7 years ago

Theoretically this is a good thing but in practice you need a lot of tact to go to someone in the street and tell them to dress modestly or that they are breaching local laws with their dress or that their skirt is a tad too short. Even if you use the nicest words the situation would always look weird. And you can see from the video on Youtube how it went wrong.

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jliscorpio
jliscorpio
7 years ago
Reply to  Yacine

I think the Qatari was absolutely horrible for accosting the family while they were with their small child. The families response was horrible as well. The whole affair was an out and out failure.

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Anonymouse
Anonymouse
7 years ago
Reply to  Yacine

I suggest not ‘telling’ them anything as it is not your place – you control only your behaviour and no one else’s. A suggestion might work better.

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Steve Maccany
Steve Maccany
7 years ago

This should be supported by all expats as well as the citizens. Along with wearing less, the improper way of dressing with abaya and exposing the tight inner wears of those many who wear them should also be a concern here.

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago

The issue here is not the respect of Qatar’s culture but the lack of respect for all cultures but this doesn’t come from the government or any major company here, in fact they are distancing themselves from the whole exercise and righty so. This is a few individuals trying to impose their beliefs and standards on others they don’t agree with. These people who were invited to come here have broken no law, committed no crimes so please protest if you wish and we will exercise our right to ignore you

0
عبدالله الهتمي
عبدالله الهتمي
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

“individuals trying to impose their beliefs and standards on others they don’t agree with. ”

A veiw held by the vast majority of Qatar and standards set by Qatari law. You agreed to this when u decided to come here.

0
Andrew
Andrew
7 years ago
Reply to  عبدالله الهتمي

Law? Which bit of the law are you quoting? Show me the bit of the law that specifically says women should wear a skirt that goes beneath the knee.
Indeed show me one government department or agency who are openly supporting the enforcement of a dress code in malls.
As far as I am led to believe these standards are not set by Qatari law. But feel free to correct me and paste the specific law about dress codes below.

0
Doc
Doc
7 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

The article also ‘covers’ this (you like what I did there)!?

‘Though Qatar is a conservative Islamic country, the law does not define modest dress.

Article 57 of the Qatari constitution states that “abiding by public order and morality, observing national traditions and established customs is a duty of all who reside in the State of Qatar or enter its territory.”

However, the group behind the modesty campaign has said that women and men should cover at least their shoulders and knees, and not wear tight, revealing or provocative clothing’

0
Andrew
Andrew
7 years ago
Reply to  Doc

Bingo. As much as certain people might like to think that the law specifically covers (ba-dum) the issue of ‘modest dress’, it doesn’t.

I’m all for the government of a land to tell the residents what they can and cannot do. I start to get wary when a group of people who believe they are acting in the interests of the majority start interpreting and enforcing their own laws.

If modest dress is an issue that is such importance to the local community let them write a law about it. The fact that this hasn’t happened speaks volumes to me.

0
Well said
Well said
7 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

Hear hear

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عبدالله الهتمي
عبدالله الهتمي
7 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

Article 57 of the Qatari constitution states that “abiding by public order and morality, observing national traditions and established customs is a duty of all who reside in the State of Qatar or enter its territory.”

Might be a bendy law but you get what it means when the vast majority of Qataris and khaleejis say that short shorts are disrespectful. You should be grateful we dont have moral police although i can think of alot of mothers and fathers that support this

0
AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  عبدالله الهتمي

How short is a short short?

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عبدالله الهتمي
عبدالله الهتمي
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

Over the knees

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Andrew
Andrew
7 years ago
Reply to  عبدالله الهتمي

If a short skirt, above the knees, is so clear and obviously against the moral character of the country then it will be the simplest thing for a law to be passed about it.

So why hasn’t this happened? Give me one good reason?

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Andrew
Andrew
7 years ago
Reply to  عبدالله الهتمي

And I have Qatari friends who are terrified that their country will end up like Saudi, and others who are terrified that it will end up like UAE.

But at the end of the day that’s not my problem with this. I wouldn’t like to think that we will soon start to see self appointed “traffic police” who stop drivers and tell them that their driving or their parking is in breach of the ‘established customs’ of the country. No one in their right mind will think that an everyday person has the right to order a driver off the road.

If malls want their own dress code – I’m totally down with that.
If the police want to police this – I’m totally down with that.

But the possibility of a slippery slope towards vigilantism is worrying.

Will there be people objecting to women wearing bikinis next to the pool at hotels? How is that acceptable, according to the law?

Will there be people objecting to women wearing bikinis next to the pool at their residential tower or compound? How would that be acceptable, according to the law?

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

Next they’ll be in your bedroom.

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Andrew
Andrew
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

Let’s follow that bit of reasoning – could you have any objection to a grassroots campaign to stamp out unmarried men and women from sharing apartments, because some may view it as illegal and unconstitutional?

What starts as a campaign in a mall, and then moves to Aspire Park, and then moves to the Corniche, and then moves to public parks, and then moves on to compounds and into towers… where does it all end?

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Big Sumo
Big Sumo
7 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

I dont see the Qatari men who regularly visit Mykonos at the Intercon for lunch objecting to the bikinis. In fact many request the specific tables with a terrific view of the pool. But maybe it’s the person wearing the bikini that is the bad person not the man staring and rubbing his thigh.

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  عبدالله الهتمي

So you say this but how do we know that “the vast majority of Qataris and khaleejis say that short shorts are disrespectful”? I’ve never seen a mechanism whereby public opinion is translated into legislation – let alone a survey – on such matters. It wouldn’t surprise me though.

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عبدالله الهتمي
عبدالله الهتمي
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

Ever heard of the petito principi fallacy ur doing that.

Because khaleejis are muslim and thus accepted sharia law so ofcourse if they accept sharia law they accept there rules now can you stop woth childesh counter arguments?

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  عبدالله الهتمي

1. childish does not have an “e” in it 2. petito principi arguments are circular arguments – not counter arguments. 3. What is the penalty then for short shorts under sharia law – or at least the sharia law that all the muslim Khaleejis “accept”?

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Chilidog
Chilidog
7 years ago
Reply to  عبدالله الهتمي

So you’re saying that gulf Arabs are Muslim as if it is a definition. Are you saying there’s no choice or thought involved? You just accept it because you have to because of where you’re born? That actually in a nutshell explains a lot about Qatar and the surrounding counties. But that’s also even scarier to me than the hard-nosed stance on how evil bare knees are.

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  Chilidog

Over the last 1400 years there has been a religious cleansing in the arabian peninisular, with Jews and Christains in particular either being killed or driven out. (Some converted out of practicality) . We now see a resurgence in this type of cleansing with religious minorities coming under attack in Iraq and Syria. There is no compulsion in religion as long as you are the right religion to start with…..

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  عبدالله الهتمي

That is exactly what I wrote and that is exactly correct.
The law is vague at best and does not address a specific dress code. It talks about morality and established customs but by defintion these change all the time as cultures change, so who defines right from wrong? Not me and not you, in fact not anyone and certainly not anyone from a religious standpoint.

The fact that the government and no ministry supports this tells you all you need to know.

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ShabinaKhatri
ShabinaKhatri
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Deleting for repeat post.

0
Bajn
Bajn
7 years ago

Pleasure derived from coercion. There must be a word for that.

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fullmoon07
fullmoon07
7 years ago
Reply to  Bajn

…sadism?

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Bajn
Bajn
7 years ago
Reply to  fullmoon07

No, something a little less harsher ?

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fullmoon07
fullmoon07
7 years ago
Reply to  Bajn

sweet sadism?

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago

Have you seen some of the clothes in the windows of the high-end shops? Why sell them or even have available? I see clothes I wouldn’t want my wife to wear and I’m from the heathen western world. Now please don’t tell me the Qataris who buy them are only wearing them at home to “please their husbands”. Villagio’s snob end should only have thobe and abaya shops.

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Heisenberg
Heisenberg
7 years ago
Reply to  desertCard

Parties, gatherings and weddings.

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Illusionist's wife
Illusionist's wife
7 years ago
Reply to  Heisenberg

And when they travel abroad … ever seen what happens in the plane shortly before landing? Abayas and head scarves are being thrown away, and out come clothes that are sometimes more revealing compared to what “Western ladies” are wearing …

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ShabinaKhatri
ShabinaKhatri
7 years ago
Reply to  Illusionist's wife

Deleting the rest of this thread for being racist and crass.

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al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  ShabinaKhatri

I knew that Shabina would introduce her own “You Matter on Doha News” campaign and promptly delete a whole bunch of posts 🙂

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Anonymouse
Anonymouse
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

Her hypocrisy does seem to be increasing of late, doesn’t it?

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Illusionist's wife
Illusionist's wife
7 years ago
Reply to  ShabinaKhatri

Sorry Shabina, but I am not a racist on this matter but just simply telling how things are … and there is nothing crass about stating the truth …

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ThighSmile
ThighSmile
7 years ago

They’ll never take away my short shorts

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  ThighSmile

Revolution I say!

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Saeed Ahmad Khan
Saeed Ahmad Khan
7 years ago
Reply to  ThighSmile

It could stink

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Bornrich
Bornrich
7 years ago

Wearing brown sandals in town. An absolute no no. White or black always!!!!!!!!!

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fullmoon07
fullmoon07
7 years ago

I always have my shoulder covered in public places, however I wonder if this “Reflect your respect” could be extended to all those maids who have no rights here. This woman could do a lot for them thanks to her attire.

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  fullmoon07

I think it’s wrong some people dress their maids in pajamas when they go out. That is so disrespectful

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fullmoon07
fullmoon07
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

It is actually!!!
I find it those pajamas don’t dignify them at all!!! Trash clothes to wear just because they come from poor countries.

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Big Sumo
Big Sumo
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

I so agree, they look ridiculous in those outfits, I feel so sorry a. They are a maid b. They have to wear that shlop c. They become nameless “I’ll be coming on the boat cruise with the 2 kids and the maid”. What she doesn’t even have the respect of a name??

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Inequality
Inequality
7 years ago

Maybe some effort could be expelled to help persons deal with why they have such a problem of how another human being is dressed and whether it is sufficiently modest (in their subjective opinion). Surely their are greater causes to get behind in a modern society… like the terrible inequality, meaning that people feel they can tell you what to do because they are of a higher class in this warped society

It’s bad enough that some people are being treated like slaves and a large number with a terrible lack of respect – we now want to take away their freedom to express themselves by the attire they choose. Wouldn’t it be easier to just issue an expat uniform on arrival so that we can be easily identified, abused, disrespected, looked down upon and ignored.

Yeah yeah yeah… if i don’t like why don’t i leave???? Well i get good money so i stay. However, i still don’t like it and choose my ability to speak to express so and moan.
Thanks for reading though, i sure feel better after getting that off my chest. Feel free to use your ability to communicate and comment and moan and feel better too. I’ll be sure to not read them.

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago

Yet again I am somewhat baffled by this campaign. Does “You matter in Qatar” mean I don’t matter when I am somewhere else? What is it trying to say? Do they actually mean “What you are wearing matters in Qatar”?

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al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

Absolutely, once you get on the plane it is OK to put your “stripper clothes” on 🙂

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Michael Fryer
Michael Fryer
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

Ever seen what the men change in to on a flight bound for Casablanca?

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al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  Michael Fryer

No idea. Does it Reflect Your Respect?

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Amy
Amy
7 years ago

Wow some of these comments are really disrespectful. I think it’s a great campaign. I like to think what I wear is appropriate but I’m never 100% sure. This can just make it a little clearer for us all. And like they’ve pointed out it’s not just about dress, it’s also about behaviour!!!

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  Amy

So disagreeing is disrespectful. *sigh*. What has this world come to.

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Chilidog
Chilidog
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Don’t worry MIMH, all commenters will get a “Certificate of Participation” from Shabina just for showing up and making a good effort. So smile! 🙂

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Masboro
Masboro
7 years ago
Reply to  Amy

That’s the problem – who decides what is ‘appropriate’ and the fact that you are never 100% sure means that you could be approached by someone forcing their views on to you at any time. My wife feels very intimated by this whole campaign every year it comes around and, like you, she thinks she is dressing appropriately but is terrified of being approached by a complete stranger. That just can’t be right.

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The Avenger
The Avenger
7 years ago
Reply to  Amy

You’re such an advocate of free speech !

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Posthaze
Posthaze
7 years ago

With my respect, But can someone please tell me which part of wearing men’s casual shorts offended people?

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  Posthaze

knees

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

especially the knobbly ones

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Posthaze
Posthaze
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

Lol, but can I say I don’t like Arabic wearing sandals everyday&everywhere, because I don’t like people putting hairy/rough feet in front of me, how’s that? No I can’t, because they want people to pay respect to them but not vice versa. “I don’t like it so I don’t allow you to do this even this has nothing to do with anybody”

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  Posthaze

I think sexual desire comes into it somewhere but I’m not exactly what for or how. Maybe a local could enlighten us a bit more.

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Posthaze
Posthaze
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

I agree, “Observing people with envy and lust not allowed” This is exactly what this campaign is about.

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  Posthaze

I suppose it’s easier to try and police what some people are wearing than what is going on in peoples heads…

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

Hey, I’ve even got the T-Shirt…

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Big Sumo
Big Sumo
7 years ago
Reply to  Posthaze

Omg yes the men who slip off sandals at restaurant, big, ole hairy foot to walk over. I wish they target men more, why do Arabic men in general think tracksuit pants are clothes to be worn outside gym? When combined with sleeveless muscle shirt, it’s like please “cover up”!

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Michkey
Michkey
7 years ago
Reply to  Posthaze

Hairy knees are a turn off!

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KK
KK
7 years ago
Reply to  Posthaze

These big fat hairy feet…

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Waveydavey
Waveydavey
7 years ago

I cover up, simply because I don’t like being stared at by a load of men…mind you, British woman in baggy jeans and a t shirt and I still get stared at…

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  Waveydavey

Maybe that indicates more about the men staring at you than you.

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El
El
7 years ago

This campaign has been on in the past as well, but I have personally seen many ladies dressed in very appalling clothing even during the month of Ramadan. I agree that one has the right to dress as they please, but respecting the culture of the land we live in won’t hurt. They’ve given us an opportunity to make the kind of money we can’t afford to in our countries, giving back by respecting their traditions would be a civilized gesture. We should be glad they aren’t forcing us to cover like elsewhere.

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The Avenger
The Avenger
7 years ago
Reply to  El

Utter nonesense . I’m here as i have a certain skill set and if im not here i will take that skill set elsewhere. Plus nobody would be forcing me to cover up . If i didn’t like i would leave !

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago

Accordiny to many people in Qatar, Sheika Moza breaks the Islamic dress code for women. Whose going to be the first person to tell her to cover up and reflect her respect?

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

you have to admit she has some cool clothes though

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

which reminds does this apply only when you’re in qatar? I’m always amazed at the number of young women getting changed on the plane when flying somewhere else.

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Illusionist's wife
Illusionist's wife
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

Was just writing the same a few comments down 😀 Well it should apply for everywhere, apparently it doesn’t though once they go to any other country outside the GCC …

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Michael Fryer
Michael Fryer
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

Elsewhere on this thread people are trying to make the point that conservative clothes aren’t simply worn because it’s the law, but are worn because it is religiously/culturally required.

Which makes the mid-flight outfit changes on the flights to Phuket all the more questionable.

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Daniel Schriefer
Daniel Schriefer
7 years ago
Reply to  Michael Fryer

It shows what hypocrites they really are.

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Bajn
Bajn
7 years ago
Reply to  Daniel Schriefer

I dont think they are hypocrites, they must be dressing “modestly” whilst in Qatar to conform.

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Michael Fryer
Michael Fryer
7 years ago
Reply to  Bajn

I’d agree. It’s pragmatism rather than hypocrisy in my view.

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Daniel Schriefer
Daniel Schriefer
7 years ago
Reply to  Michael Fryer

If they would do it without urging others to “behave” I’d call it pragmatism, too.

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Bajn
Bajn
7 years ago
Reply to  Daniel Schriefer

It is not the same guys who do the moral policing and the mid-flight outfit change.

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Daniel Schriefer
Daniel Schriefer
7 years ago
Reply to  Bajn

How do you know?

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Bajn
Bajn
7 years ago
Reply to  Daniel Schriefer

I dont know for sure.

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Big Sumo
Big Sumo
7 years ago
Reply to  Michael Fryer

The man in the sky can’t see into planes or through red or blue coloured “wine” glasses

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

I think she is very stylish but I have heard many complaints about her showing her neck and too much hair sticking out.

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Posthaze
Posthaze
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Lol, made my day

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Whilst in Qatar?

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Illusionist's wife
Illusionist's wife
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

Yes, whilst in Qatar, heard this several times as well …

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  Illusionist's wife

Not really my place to comment but I do like some of her clothes.

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  AEC

Oh, I forgot the daughter of the Father Emir doesn’t wear hijab sometimes, maybe they should protest about her not respecting the cultural and religious values of Qatar

https://www.google.com/search?q=sheikha+mayassa&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&biw=1344&bih=746&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=aGxHVZaYG8qP7AaltYHoCg&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ

http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/esmagazine/forget-about-the-price-tag-qatars-sheikha-mayassa-is-outbidding-the-art-world-8856384.html

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zeit
zeit
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

I guess you got some serious English comprehension skills. The organiser clearly states that they don’t intend to force their style of dressing on others. All they asked was to keep the knees and shoulders covered. Nowhere does it mention that you must cover your hair. Before blabbering your BS, read clearly what is being said.

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  zeit

They start with banning one book, because that book is very bad, but then it continues and they look for the next book to ban and so on. Soon you only have the ‘approved’ books to read….
They are intimdating women in their sexist campaign and using social pressure to get them to conform to their norms. That is wrong.

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Simon
Simon
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

And she is still your hero???

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  Simon

She’s the best.

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Desert Witch
Desert Witch
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

Agree. Miss seeing her in the news. And she did wear some super cool outfits.

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Grantley
Grantley
7 years ago
Reply to  Desert Witch

She is a very stylish, classy lady.

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al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  MIMH

She is cool and gets my respect.

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عبدالله الهتمي
عبدالله الهتمي
7 years ago

Alot of scrubby internet warriors who stay in the internet :p

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AEC
AEC
7 years ago
Reply to  عبدالله الهتمي

yes but what are they wearing?

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Anon
Anon
7 years ago
Reply to  عبدالله الهتمي

Yep, lots around the Gulf apparently…….

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/01/17/middle-eastern-countries-are-among-the-worlds-top-consumers-of-pornography/

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Critic
Critic
7 years ago

Incredible amount of ignorance on the comments section and too much focusing on the extreme. Some people are making it sound as if there is a box van rounding people up outside Villagio. Correct me if I am wrong but this is campaign by a grassroots group. Not a government or police led crackdown. Stop pretending to be a victim or a martyr for your cause of “freedom”. Some people who happen to care about the culture of their nation decided to inform the expats who outnumber them 10 to 1 that they are in Qatar (not Miami, Rio or the exotic English Riviera of Blackpool on a scorching 19 degrees summer afternoon)

They have the right to conduct that campaign and you have the right to ignore them. If they come up to you with a leaflet say thanks and keep walking. You will not be lynched by an angry mob. This is not a “I am holier than thou” statement. It is a simple stance for values by a group of people who live in a place where these values matter. You have no right to call them hypocrites for you don’t know them.

And lastly.. nobody is calling on you to like it or leave it. They are simply asking you to respect the values of the land upon which you actively decided to come and live.

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al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  Critic

It is equally ignorant to assume that grassroots campaigns just happen in Qatar. How about a grassroots campaign against tailgating and other forms of aggressive kamikaze driving, or against kafala, or smoking in malls, or housemaid abuse, any takers?

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Critic
Critic
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

Stick to one topic. This is not an argument about human rights or equality in Qatar. It is about a specific campaign. Even if it is a campaign that received the green light after a bureaucratic process, it is still a civil campaign.

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al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  Critic

One of those “grassroots” campaigners had the audacity to harass my wife while I went to the washroom. She dresses modestly. He was lucky that the incident didn’t happen in my home country. Needless to say that after that incident I don’t give a rat’s behind about their campaign.

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A_qtr
A_qtr
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

Now your making things up

0
al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  A_qtr

I knew you would say that. Now it is Yacine’s turn to add that President Bush and the Americans were to blame 🙂

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A_qtr
A_qtr
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

Seriously u know ur making it up

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al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  A_qtr

I am sure that you honestly think so, otherwise your comment would have been ” Well, if you don’t like it, leave”

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A_qtr
A_qtr
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

I know u wont leave tax-free riyals too lucrative for you

0
al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  A_qtr

Getting off topic, but as I have said before, I am well paid, have lots of free time and my wasta is as good as ever. Nothing is perfect, so have to accept being a second class citizen, the weather, the tailgating and a few other issues.

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A_qtr
A_qtr
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

What a hypocrite just like all other expats here.. You preach change but boy do your values go out the window at the sight of tax free money… Your not a citizen to begin with to claim your 2nd class.. and plz tell us where your from so we may discuss the right of foreign workers in your home country… قال ايش قالي واسطتي.. ماكلين و شاربين و يتشكون…

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al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  A_qtr

I preach change that will be good for you and your country. In addition, I am not a welfare recipient, nor given a position to meet quotas, so please spare me the hypocrite nonsense.

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A_qtr
A_qtr
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

No you are just a bigot. And you didn’t realize what a bigot you are till you were removed away from your friends and family and away from those who know you and judge you .. So your true self came out.. And where better do we see it than here you bigot..

You say you want to make this place better for us yet boast about your free time and strong wasta!! Which says nothing more than you enjoy bending the rules when they suit you.. You just doubled down on your hypocrisy …
Oh yes Qatar is a welfare state .. and there are quotas to hire nationals… You hurt my feelings by pointing it out .. Hold on let me pull out my stack of 500 riyals and wipe my tears aways … Bigot and a hypocrite ..

0
desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  A_qtr

Wow, Pot meet kettle

0
desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

And Abdulrahman will post some sort of anti-american political cartoon.

0
al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  desertCard

And then Shabina will delete my reply for being off topic.

0
TK
TK
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

Nice story, tell it your bunch of moaning friends while having a glass of wine. they will believe this story of yours.

0
ShabinaKhatri
ShabinaKhatri
7 years ago
Reply to  TK

Deleting for personal attack and subsequent thread for getting off-topic.

0
Bajn
Bajn
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

I was politely asked by a gentleman in a thobe outside a supermarket that my shorts which I wore to the gym was not allowed inside. I mumbled an ok and drove away.

0
Critic
Critic
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

Thanks for coming back to the topic. Now, if your wife was harassed by someone then this is a very serious issue. One that I suggest you go and report to the authorities. There is a much higher chance of something being done than commenting about it on here.

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al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  Critic

Report that a middle-aged guy with a long beard yelled at my wife in Arabic and gestured that her skirt should be longer while she was alone, waiting for me? In my assessment a report was not gonna go anywhere, so we just left the scene and tried to forget about the incident.

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Misha
Misha
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

If it’s illegal than he should report her to the police not yell at her but it’s not illegal so she could report the harassment. However, it’s always subjective what kind of reaction one would get from the police here.

0
A_qtr
A_qtr
7 years ago
Reply to  al-Lalal

I say start a campaign Id defiantly sign up in your support

0
desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  Critic

The video that is linked shows a Norwegian I think in “to the knee” shorts and sandals. Problem with that?

0
Anon
Anon
7 years ago
Reply to  desertCard

I think it was the (unseen) female causing false moral outrage from the local lady, given on what she (expat woman) says at the beginning…….

0
zeit
zeit
7 years ago
Reply to  Critic

Well said. Perfect reply to these bunch of moaning cynical people. Anything and everything, they start whining.

0
Masboro
Masboro
7 years ago
Reply to  Critic

Although you are right, my wife feels very intimated by the fact that some stranger could approach her and comment on the way she was dressed, and she is ‘abiding by the rules’. The problem is that some people want to put their own personal ‘views’ as fact ( see the comments about heavy perfume and high heels) which makes some people feel very uncomfortable.
If it is the law then it is up to the Police to enforce, not s bunch of ‘busy bodies’ with nothing better to do.

0
Lisa Clayton
Lisa Clayton
7 years ago
Reply to  Critic

You must not have watched the video of a Qatari woman taking matters into her own hands.

0
Jen
Jen
7 years ago
Reply to  Lisa Clayton

Yes I watched that–and it has totally put me off the campaign. To go up to someone and say–this is our country-is bound to put people’s backs up and be offensive and cause a public argument or fight. I liked the man’s response of saying (you) asked us to come work here. (although he did not need to say you are lazy as it also causes a fight). I would not take kindly to someone publicly approaching me like that and would respond in kind–but I would not mind if someone was handing out leaflets. Anyways personally–I think there are way more important things than how one dresses in life irrespective of nationality:- what is in your heart, are you kind, do you help others and animals, are you polite, do drive so as not to harm another person, are you considerate of others etc etc–you know–just the real things it means to be a good human being!

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Joe
Joe
7 years ago

at 35,000 ft on Qatar Airways…you can strip to whatever level you like !!!

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A_qtr
A_qtr
7 years ago

I remember 20 years ago in the U.S. When I was a student .. when i had no concept of what a fancy resturant was, a friend invited me to a resturant as a thank you for helping him move into his place. They didn’t let me in because I wore sandles and blue jeans. I was dressed correctly for the place… Didn’t understand at the time why one needs to dress up for food !! It was a week into my first trip to the U.S. … Not sure how this fits in but thought I’d share it

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  A_qtr

It doesn’t

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A_qtr
A_qtr
7 years ago
Reply to  desertCard

شعبولا كيف الحال

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  A_qtr

I have no idea what you said. You need to read my past post. I am not Egyptian lol. I would never be ashamed to say I am if I was though. Egypt has everything this place wants but can’t buy with all their cash no matter how hard they try.

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A_qtr
A_qtr
7 years ago
Reply to  desertCard

Who said anything about you being egyptian … شعبولا

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desertCard
desertCard
7 years ago
Reply to  A_qtr

then why write in Arabic?

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ShabinaKhatri
ShabinaKhatri
7 years ago
Reply to  A_qtr

Deleting for going off topic, and subsequent thread.

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al-Lalal
al-Lalal
7 years ago
Reply to  A_qtr

Now your (sic) making things up

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MIMH
MIMH
7 years ago
Reply to  A_qtr

That does happen but it is slighly different. You can choose not to go to the fancy restuarant if you don’t agree with their dress code but you cannot just stop walking around town or leave your house as some people decide to appoint themselves as the moral police.

Same thing with a mosque, I would enter wearing shorts and a t-shirt as that is against their rules but then again I choose not to go to any mosque.

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