A grassroots campaign to encourage men and women to dress more modestly in public places in Qatar will be relaunched next month under a new name, the campaign’s organizers have told Doha News.
Previously called “One of Us” when it began in 2012, the campaign has now been renamed “Reflect your Respect,” and will restart in June, with a weekend of leafleting in public parks and malls.
Speaking to Doha News, spokeswoman Umm Abdullah explained that the name had been changed because many expats had responded to the previous slogan by arguing that they did not feel like they are part of Qatari society.
She explained that the new slogan was simply calling for expats to “respect” local cultural values by covering their shoulders, midriffs and knees, adding that she believed many Qataris now avoided public places because they were offended by the clothes many expats were wearing.
“People say they don’t meet enough Qatari people, but this is because we don’t want go to these places and see these things,” she said.
“Our kids as well, we don’t want them to end up imitating this – we want to preserve our traditions and our values. They (expats) have their own places where they don’t have to be covered – but we have the right to go to hospitals, to the market, to the malls, to the beach, without seeing these things.”
Umm Abdullah explained that on June 20, groups of Qatari women and children will begin visiting public places – venues will be announced a week in advance – to hand out leaflets explaining the campaign to expats. She said many simply aren’t aware that they are causing offense.
But some expats have pushed back against the idea. In 2012, one commenter on a Doha News story about the modesty campaign said:
“I have never seen in my life (and I’ve traveled in many, many countries) such abuse of make-up in plain daylight, such high heels that I wonder how come they do not stumble, such abuse of perfume that sometimes the smell in the lift is unbearable (even after they left)… I think this campaign should be fair and expended so as to cover what being modest should mean for all of us living here.”
And more recently, on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/ebaaelmelik/status/467902501178466305
To avoid offending people, Umm Abdullah said that the group plans to hand out chocolates, flowers and shawls along with the leaflets, and hopes to engage with people in a friendly way:
“I will just speak to them quietly by myself, with my little daughter who is only seven. It’s embarrassing to be preached at in public places.”
Abdullah is also aware that some would argue that Qataris have no right to demand that foreigners adhere to their cultural norms. In response, she said that when she travels, she makes an effort to fit in by not wearing a niqab in France for example, and expects expats in Qatar to do the same.
She explained that June 20 had been chosen due to the approach of Ramadan at the end of next month, and because it signaled the end of national exams, giving Qatari families more time to devote to the campaign. Leafleting campaigns would however continue throughout the year, she added.
‘Lack of support’ from QTA
In November 2012, the “One of Us” campaign organizers announced that they had received backing from the Qatar Tourism Authority, which they said had promised to display the posters in public spaces, and on their literature.
Umm Abdullah said that these promised actions however have not materialized, so the group had decided to continue without support from the QTA.
“We applied to them because without their approval, it’s illegal to distribute leaflets” she told us. “But nothing else has happened. But, we think we are enough. We think women are best to deal with this. If they are not to do it, we will do it. It’s in constitution, we have the right, so why not. If you want something done well, do it yourself.”
The QTA did not respond to a request for comment.
The law
The campaign’s organizers argue that this call for modest attire is enshrined in Qatari law. They point to article 57 in the Qatari constitution, which 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, there appears to be no specific element of the penal code that targets dress code, although many malls and parks have their own clothing rules, which are enforced by private security guards.
For a brief period in October 2012, for example, Aspire Park introduced unofficial dress code rules that mandated sports clothing or Qatari national dress only, effectively banning most expat families from the park. However, these regulations were dropped just weeks later, and Aspire Park authorities denied they had ever existed.
Additionally, men have also reported being turned away from Traffic Police buildings for wearing shorts instead of trousers, and there’s anecdotal evidence that similar dress codes for both men and women exist in other government buildings in Qatar, although these are patchily enforced.
Thoughts?
![[Getty]](https://dohanews.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GettyImages-1763609272-560x420.jpg)
“effectively banning most expat families from the park”
because most expat families cant afford sports clothing?
If I was taking my children to the park on the weekend I probably wouldn’t be wearing sports clothing, I’d be in jeans and t shirt…nothing inappropriate, but not sports wear either…maybe that’s why it got dropped? Seems a bit daft that you’d have to wear a track suit for your kids to go and see the ducks!!
Jeans and t shirt not a problem…but depends on how tight or loose it would be…this would cause a problem…until and unless it does not show a lot of skin and not body tight then it should be fine
Jeans and t-shirt WAS a problem, that’s the point. Families were being kicked out of the park unless they were either wearing sports clothes OR national dress. Jeans and t-shirts are neither sports clothes or national dress, so they had to leave. Thankfully that rule has now been removed.
See here for how stupid the situation was in the past: https://dohanews.co/residents-express-confusion-frustration-at-dress-code/
yeah thats fine, but saying being asked to wear a track suit is effectively banning you and your kids from the park is just retarded
A track suit in summer…that’s not only inappropriate but a danger to your health.
I absolutely agree!! As long as people look respectable, then it really shouldn’t matter what’s worn IMO.
expats aren’t exclusively western with well paying jobs. That particular reference was most likely applying to expats from South Asia who dress in their local attire, many of whom don’t own any western sports clothing.
Good one sister UMM…but at the same time, this is based on my observation…Nowadays many arab girls (dont know if local or expat) are also wearing inappropriate dressing..for example many times seen women wearing the abaya (the black dress) half opened below showing tight dressings inside….also many young girls wearing the abaya only but not the head scarf…..so please let us start not only with expats but any one who is wearing in indecent way
🙂
Why so focused on oppressing women? Where are your comments about the men?
What about this trend of the young guys wearing shorts that are only a few inches below their butt, and baggy singlets which cover little more than the navel. I don’t want to see half naked men when I visit the malls.
That’s is their problem but that is not the point, these campaigns always focus on harassing and oppressing women. She got raped because of her clothes! What nonsense.
I’m so glad to see you have been taking my feminist pills! 😉
Which men MIMH
This is the perfect comment reflecting the belief that it’s always the women’s fault when a man is tempted. There are as many inappropriately dressed men as there are women, but you only see one side.
I vote for a change of law specifically banning men in short shorts and/or string vests….in ANY country!!
you’re right let’s start with indecent men, plenty in this country both locals and not!
fullmoon..ur right..hence i mentioned in my comment “ANYONE”
yes but you addressed to women/girls more than once!! I want to include men always so no difference of sex.
Stepping back from being culturally, religious or “when in Rome” about this…. Does more conservative clothing really lessen the sexual tension? Psychologically speaking, is the primary reason to hide skin to make you think less about it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjSh_esW9W4
@ 1:45
Why would Arab women be at the most desirable?
And the sign said “Long-haired freaky people need not apply”
So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why
He said “You look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you’ll do”
So I took off my hat, I said “Imagine that. Huh! Me workin’ for you!”
Whoa-oh-oh
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?
🙂
i believe it is important to respect the local culture. However, I wonder is it necessary for men to cover their knee too ?
yes. 🙂
Hey, my knees are great, the world should admire them!
My knees are great too. In fact, when I was at school I even attended a “special knees” class. At least I think that is what it was called….
Yes cause we may be catchin’ the eye of someones wife and the man be jealous and we be gettin’ in a fight or something.
My husband’s pair look so temping that starting tomorrow, I will make sure he covers them up! Ladies, keep your peeper’s off my husband’s knees! 😉
No fair. What about if I let you look at my hubbies knees ( no touching mind), you let me look at your hubbies knees. That’s fair, yes?
Sounds fair to me. (I always knew our type existed in Doha!)
A much needed initiative for the sake of culture and for the sake of humanity…..
to preserve our future generations from immorality and obscenity.
May Allah bless sister Umm Abdullah and make her successful. and also I would like to appreciate and thank every member of this campaign and the ones supporting it and helping to make it happen
for real ?
It’s hard to be tolerant with people like this in the world.
Respect has nothing to do with the way you dress (this is just superficial)…Respect has something to do with how you deal with other people (rich or poor) and by not stereotyping them….
It seems you’re judging using your own filters and norms… “this is just superficial” to you, it may not be so for others…
Agree. Too often, ‘culture’ is (mis)used as an argument telling you what not to do. At the same time, this misuse happens to be very convenient for the master.
So, would you wear shorts and a tank top if you were going for a big job interview or to meet with the, say, the Emir?
Can you arrange either for me please Mr Abdulrachman? Better still both? Please.
The Emir should be easy enough; big job interview though can be tough. How Blond are you? Blue eyes, or at lest green. British accent? Those would help :p
Hahaha. Blue eyes only sorry, so I fail the short listing.
I can go blonde.
Though I have no problem with this kind of initiatives (I actually encourage them), I think the topic is very sensitive and should be approached in a very diplomatic way. I am not sure handing chocolate and other gifts while telling a woman that she should dress modestly will make the whole experience less embarrassing for her. And I would expect that some offended women will respond in a rude way regardless of whatever gift you offer them.
It’s not sensitive at all, they should not go around harassing women. It’s none of their business.i also disagree with banning the Niqab in France if a woman wants to wear it and is it being forced it is her choice. If you don’t like it tough
I have no issues with the campaign, but do think that rather than targeting only women who are dressing inappropriately that they should approach all people — men and women even if dressed appropriately. I wouldn’t mind a nice chocolate, flower, or shawl but I’m not willing to dress like a tart to get it. 🙂
Alternatively, if I’m down at CC mall in June and fancy someone bringing me chocolates I’ll just whip off me woolly cardi and dare to bare. Hehe.
I do dress appropriately, for instance I’m about to head the Wathnam mall so out of shorts into trousers. My wife always dresses within the accepted cultural norms. We understand the cultural significance of dressing respectfully in Qatar. We also support it as it is the nations culture that we choose to come and live amongst.
However the problem is with so many expats being imported it is difficult to not have change in public spaces and public space behaviour. On a sociology scale this is the very simple version of what Qatar is battling.
It is also hard to ask for respect in one space then not show any common respect in another, ie driving behaviour. Respect is a two way street and is earned not demanded. Therefore a lot of expats I talk too don’t bother as they believe they are not shown common courtesy or respect within the public space that is the roads, so their attitude (not mine) is that why bother. Where my attitude is 2 wrongs don’t make a right, so pants it is!
I was harassed by a guard at Wathnam mall last year. I was wearing a below the knee full skirt and a long sleeve shirt that was high necked. Luckily, a local woman saw him harassing me and she verbally kicked his butt until he shirked away. I thanked her profoundly and that was the last time I bought my groceries there. My issue is that often I find women in tennis skirts, spaghetti strap tank tops with cleavage spilling out, or wearing swimsuit cover ups at the mall. Seriously??? I also have to laugh at those who wear a hijab but are wearing jeans so tight they are painted on with 4 inch heels. No one’s looking at your hair, darling….
Exactly, I agree, some people just don’t care…Villagio seems to be a haven for dressing how you please. Get back to Wathnam you wont find cheaper and better quality groceries anywhere else!
I know…. They have a great bakery for a grocery store.
Wathnan is a terrible place to shop. when I walk in people stop what they are doing to look a the freak that is walking through the vegetable section. I’ve had groups of children follow me through the isle ways because their parents have taught them no manners. Although some of them are so cute with their little Thobes on. But I get so annoyed by the little Indian guy behind the counter that only stars at me and does the Indian head bobble as I ask for spices. He doesnt even hear what I am asking because he is entranced in a stare. Wathnan is horrible! LOL! 2 years and I still have not gotten used to it!
I was always the only western woman there… I never saw another any time I went.
I’m always the only western man in there but it doesn’t bother me. Besides I can get there without hitting a main rd as I am very close so avoiding driving is the big bonus as well.
Am I the only one that finds the abaya and hijab sexy? I’m not talking about the tight ones only….
it is not the abaya or hijab the sexy…it is the woman who try to make her self in a fashionable way forgetting what is actually right for her or wrong for her…it is called fashion as per them and god know where did they learn that kind of fashion
She is forgetting what is right and wrong for her? Can’t she make up her own mind?
She made up her mind. As long as the fabric is on the head she’s safe from society’s bickering
No she’s a woman remember? So right and wrong has to be decided for her!!!….
You’re right, she should be stoned to death for even going outside her house and exposing herself to men
Are you living in Qatar or Pakistan? This isn’t Taliban you know… I think you’re making Qatar seem too abckwards
I was being sarcastic but there are some in Qatar would like to see this happen.
MIMH in the country that I’m coming from, in one particular city, 4 young, innocent, women were sexually assaulted and murdered and their bodies left in the street. All were International students (a Korean, Japenese, French, and Chinese woman) and were walking around at night on their own. This was in the space of three months. Do you think this would have happened if they had been accompanied by someone else? In particular a male? I doubt it. So before you make your ridiculous comments, please consider the roots of particular religious requirements. Try to resist the urge to make your sad comments, and realize that it’s not always about restricting/oppressing women…sometimes..it’s about protecting precious women.
Yes and Putin was protecting the poor people in Crimea when he annexed it and the Americans were protecting the world from terrorism when they invaded Iraq.
That is the defence of the oppressor, claiming to protect but in fact controlling and dominating.
If men get raped and murdered, should women be accompanying them wherever they go to protect them?
Ah these are all relatively new points in modern history. Covering has been part of monotheism since it’s revelation (ie. Judaism, Christianity and Islam). Nothing new, and certainly consistent as it has stood the test of time. My grandmother would cover her head with a veil before entering the Catholic church. JFYI Muslim women cover so that we can emulate one of the most perfect women of all time- who just happens to have an entire chapter on her in the Holy Quaran: Mary or Mariam. How many statues have you seen of Mary wearing a swimsuit??? How dare you compare human, flawed oppressors to Divine Revelation. You’re running dangerously close to overstepping some serious boundaries. I appreciate you’re trying to raise awareness to the plight of the laborers in this country- you’re awesome in this respect. Perhaps you could donate some of your wages to them???
In response to your last comment, well now I’m lost for words. I’m seriously uncomfortable with people who regard women and men as the same. Not the same. Equal yes, but not the same. Are women known as the fairer sex for no reason? Seriously, though, I’m disturbed that you would emasculate men in this way by claiming that a woman could protect a man? I’m not sure what you prescribe to, but one of the things that attracted me to Islam was that the men are still Manly Warriors and the boundaries are still more or less defined.
Do you have any idea what disastrous effect your last comment could have on young men?
Having said all that upon arrival to Qatar my other half and I were involved in a road rage incident where my husband was attacked (by a local) I came to my husbands defense. I ‘defended’ him by stopping him from fighting back. In doing so, I saved him a three month prison term and expulsion from the country. To the monster’s credit (the other guy, not my husband!) he did stop when I yelled at him and he saw our daughter. But you know what, I( guess the answer is actually-YES. While we can’t protect them with our fists (actually I probably could) it would be our wits and common sense that would be protective.
Nope, my husband loves walking through Hyatt Mall. He thinks some Q Ladies are verrrry sexy.
Oh dear, as usual MIMH you’re trying to be provocative and inflammatory. You’re not funny, and I’m sure you know very well that the hejab and abaya should be anything but sexy- even for the youth who are trying to assert their uniqueness through accessories and the like. I haven’t read too far down, but coming from the West the thing that saddens me the most is the disrespect for the ‘guest’ workers who have been away from their women, perhaps for months or years. Women who rock up and ‘parade’ themselves in front of these poor men have a lot to answer for. I believe (as a covered woman- sorry to bore you-but this is totally relevant) that people should 1)wear what they please; 2) must have respect and gratitude for the country’s law and culture; 3) but above all else, I worry about the exhibitionist and the fact that she spares no thought for the worker who does not have um..’access’ to female intimate relations while in Qatar. Is this healthy? It brings to mind a situation at a car wash I witnessed a few months back, where I saw a European woman drive into a Car Wash, full of men, in tight shorts and a singlet. These poor men were hyperventilating (and no, it wasn’t just the car fumes) and she was parading herself in front of them as though she were Angelina Jolie at the Oscar’s. What made me giggle though, was in the West the men wouldn’t have bat an eyelid at her vanity (she was not what I’d call a natural beauty- though I doubt whether these poor fellows noticed her pretty eyes-what she had eyes?!?!!) It seems as though here in Qatar she had a platform to be the most beautiful (or, you know a woman in the flesh and blood…) and she was going to flaunt it. Note to all female visitors to Qatar:sweetheart, you’re not that special/beautiful/irresistible you’re just a novelty at 25% to the 75% male ratio. Oh and MIMH , for you and the women you’re defending please know how much flack women cop in public in the West for wearing hejab and abaya. Over the years, I had lost count at the times I had been threatened with physical violence (sometimes in the presence of my small children) because of my ‘Muslim’ appearance. So now, to hear women come to Qatar, a Muslim country and whine or resist moderate, respectful dress, just doesn’t wash with me. As far as I’m concerned, respect is a two way street, you want respect-then please act respectfully.
Two wrongs dont make a right as they say, I am sorry you have been threatened in Europe for how you dress. That is wrong and I know it happens. (It’s part of the muslim backlash since the terrorist attacks in america and Europe in the name of Islam)
I also agree with you, some average looking women who get a lot of attention in Qatar due to the imbalance of the sexes suddelny think they are super models. However both points are irelevant in this discussion.
Respect is a two way street, you leave them alone and I am sure they will leave you alone. Don’t try to impose your “respect” or views on other people.
Please tell me the ideal part of the world you live in. I’m sure the rest of the world can learn so much from it. You’re wrong and you’re wrong again. Although my parents are from Europe, the backlash I describe did not take place in Europe. In fact I did not get harassed at all when travelling covered through Europe.
Leave who alone? I have Muslim friends who are not covered and I would fight to the death to protect them if they were threatened as a result of their presentation. That’s not what I mean.
The threats in public (they were from women in the work place) were 100% from cowardly men. I harmed them in no way. They were not even on my radar. I don’t see why or how my hejab was so threatening especially when I had two small children in tow. I don’t care that they felt threatened. I just wonder why it never happened with my husband present- simply because they are cowards. It is inexcusable and nothing you can say can justify this.
Agree re the spaghetti straps etc. Not to mention the thong straps riding up over the spray on jeans on expat women. Drives me mad because I know the back lash is coming that will affect all of us.
Why not work on getting people here to drive a bit more “modestly” before they start worrying about this nonsense.
Someone better let the soccer fans know…. 😉
LOL they better send out a huge memo!
Also better let the players know they need to wear long pants, also memo to tennis players for next years Qatar Open. 😉
Yes, please spread this campaign, we are tired of Expats showing no respect to our traditions.
How about showing respect to you fellow human? Live and let live me friend. You have the right to be offended but you do not have the right to ever be offended by anything.
Modesty is in the eye of the beholder;)
I’ll bet we’ll get a lot of comments along the lines of “why don’t they focus on X issue (usually a negative behavior associated with locals). Funny how those same people are the ones often arguing about how 2 wrongs don’t make a right 😉
If anything the people complaining that there should be grassroots campaigns to take rude, rash, dangerous driving seem to be missing the point. Rude, rash, dangerous driving IS the local culture here, so rather than being discouraged, logically it should be promoted, right?
Do you believe this would be a good idea? Even if as you say, rude, rash, dangerous driving is part of the local culture, I think it should be discouraged. What say you my fellow locals?
Think you missed the sarcasm
Oh I didn’t, but you clearly did miss mine.
You’re not as smart as you hope to be or think you are.
See the words–fellow locals. Easy to minsterpret written text though.
“Wait, wait! You forget about me and my kind!!”
lol…u got my point bro 🙂
Hehe
LOL nice one ;-).
Yup…this sums it all up 🙂
Is it illegal to distribute leaflets like Abdullah’s mother said ?
Or is it in the constitution right for Qataris only ?
it would be respect once again if the maids are brought to public places in modest dressing … They are also very much part of Qatar .. There were many instances when we had to feel sorry for them…guess.. we are talking about just one section living in Qatar …or are we simply ignoring them … food for thought ..especially for those who will be actively participating in the campaign …good luck !
Seems a good initiative on the surface as I have seen really scandalous dressing at the malls a few times. However in the face of real and deeper issues like the high fatality and accident rate among Qatari youth, the driving culture, the ‘what’s your nationality’ obsession in very field of endeavor etc; on a list of priorities this is the most insignificant cause and the modus, least effective.
i think us locals need to lead by example… we can’t expect others to adhere to our cultural norms if us ourselves choose to be exclusive and uncomprimising.. and if we we ourselves have tracked away from the soft center of what is acceptable and varied to opposite extremes of what is acceptable…
I think Qatar needs to decide whether they want tourism as they have stated in their vision, or whether they want to retain their culture in terms of a dress code, I don’t see it will be easy to have both. Tourists in the parks, on the beaches and in the shopping centres are not going to appreciate being given a shawl and a stern talking to by a woman and her 7yr old daughter no matter how many chocolates or flowers you provide!
It definitely can be both. I’m not sure why so many women find it so hard to cover their shoulders and wear skirts to their knees. I dressed like that back home in the U.S. Why is a t-shirt and capri pants so difficult to put on instead of a tank top and a tennis skirt with your thong sticking out? (Like I saw at Starbucks the other day with 2 local men drooling at her backside.)
Can you remind men to also cover their shoulders, and hairy, sweaty underarms? And would shorts past the knee be too much to ask?
I actually don’t think it can be both. You dress like that in the US because (I presume) you were brought up understanding that to be the line of respect and decency. But 100 years ago you would have been considered scandalous to be wearing anything tighter fitting like capris pants and a t-shirt. Times change, cultural views change. Being respectful means different things in different cultures. If you want to open the doors and let hundreds of different nationalities into your country for tourism, people who are here to unwind and have a fun or relaxing holiday, you also must accept that they will bring with them elements of their own culture, including their own definition of decency. That’s not to say the local definition should necessarily change, but that it should become accommodating to an extent. Perhaps when arriving at the airport, a “Welcome to Qatar” leaflet could be handed out with places to go, things to see, how to dress, some phrases in Arabic etc. Now, you could encourage respect from tourists, and tolerance from locals.
Maybe they could start an ‘Avert Your Eyes. Save Your soul’ campaign and hand out these leaflets to Muslim men. After all they shouldn’t be staring at women in the first place thinking all those immoral thoughts.
Bad boys. Off to bed with you and keep those hands on top of the duvet. 🙂
Why is thinking about sex wrong? Why are you immoral because you like it? Admiring someone’s body is natural.
There is a fine line between admiring someone’s body and ogling or staring lasciviously at it.
Anyway the point was to elaborate how ridiculous the situation has become and that according to the Quran MEN and women are supposed to dress modestly.
Tourists need to make themselves aware of the laws and norms of countries they visit before they get there, and abide by them. I wouldn’t go to Singapore and spit in the street. I wouldn’t go to Thailand and wear my shoes inside the shops. I wouldn’t go to the Vatican and expect to be allowed in to St. Peter’s wearing shorts and a sleeveless top. So why would I go to an Islamic country and think it’s okay to wear clothing that is deemed inappropriate by local culture?
Not all tourists take the time to do this. Perhaps there should be more effort from the country to inform tourists on arrival with a handy “Welcome to Qatar” leaflet containing some interesting info, tourist sites, cultural norms etc.
Its actually funny. We seemed to have forgotten the Golden rule, “When in Rome, do what the Romans do.” Many Expatriates wants to push their culture to locals. But will actually complain when visitors and “tourists” are violating local customs and rules in their home countries. Its really ironic.
But I don’t want to secretly drink in the desert or at home while being pious in my work place and tell my wife I’m going to Mecca when I’m really going to Bangkok for a boys trip.
I am not pushing my culture and I do not want to be pushed either.
Actually I thought the “Golden Rule” was Treat others as you wish to be treated yourself. That’s what I was taught. And that’s how I behave: with respect to others.
One minor comment – the sportswear rule does apply at Aspire Zone, but only to men who are not with their families.
Local dress is ok, normal clothes are ok for families, but if you’re a man alone or with other men, sportswear is required.
Really I went there for a coffee in the cafe this morning on my own in non sports attire. Where is it written?
Haven’t seen it written but that’s what I was told by 3 different guards at the weekend. Each one let us continue but told us not to come back without sports clothes.
Usually nobody seems to bother but sometimes, you’ll be out of luck and stopped.
Did you sense that maybe this rule is enforced in different ways, depending on the nationality of the single man?
It was pretty consistent with us, each security guard we passed (the ones in thobe) stopped us. They were quite apologetic while explaining the rules.
I’ve never noticed anyone being given a harder time because of nationality, it’s a pretty diverse group of people who run/walk in the park.
Security guards at a public park , I mean what for, if it was Central Park New York sure, but Aspire Park. Stopping people sitting on park benches , playing sports games and policing jeans wearing people..really it would be laughable if not true…
Security guards does not always mean CIA or FBI trained people.Such a
huge park there needs to be guards to safeguard the property and help people if they
need them, what if there’s a fire?somebody falls into the lake?there is a
fight?or huge amount of noise?or any suspicious activity?etc,
etc,..these guys are for that.
And do you think they’ve actually had any training in CPR, crowd management etc? How much authority do you really think they have? No disrespect to them, but the worst thing they can do is call the police, and they can only enforce against criminal activity
You miss the point ol chum. In any event there training in any response to those scenarios would be one line SOPS …Ring Police…
That’s like getting a speeding ticket on a road with no posted speed limit. It’s unenforceable. I’ll comply with any law or rule written, but not ones made up by any rent-a-cop. If they want to stop me, they can show me the posted rules. If Aspire want to have rules, they can post a sign at the entrances.
Are you aware of Aspire Zone’s official definition of acceptable “sportswear”? I assume if one turned up in a freshly ironed pair of speedos that would be frowned upon, however what about cycling shorts, tennis skirts, volleyball outfits or golf shorts and a polo shirt for example, would they be deemed appropriate?
The campaign is extremely sexist and is used to oppress women. This is 2014, not 714 and human society has progressed.
I’d rather worry about the labourer who has not been paid for six months who is now desperate rather than seeing a woman’s shoulders. Come on people, get real. No one died seeing a bit of skin, stop following myths that are used to oppress and control.
they put pictures of men and asked them to dress appropriately as well, why is still sexist?
There’s pictures of men on the poster…
Maybe you need to look up the word sexist.
Men arent supposed to show knees as well, so nope, though I agree it is more intended for women than men they still require men to cover their stuff.
True, no one dies seeing a bit of skin, but in an abaya and thobe clad culture hot shorts become pron
If you’re really concerned about these laborers then you might look at this from a holistic view. Part of a holistic view says that seeing a woman’s shoulders when you are not able to see your own wife, etc..is a big problem and hurtful psychologically to these men. So, do you ever think that maybe it is oppressing to the laborer to have a womans um..assets.. flaunted in their face? Did you ever consider that some parts of religion is once again, not to oppress women, but to protect many- including the laborer?
Using your logic we shouldn’t let labourers watch TV just in case they see a women showing her arms.
I’m so astounded by your reply, I’m lost for words…..
I have to say, I may not agree with this campaign but I respect why it’s being presented. However, I think what Qatar needs is the fashion police more than a campaign. As an American Muslim, I have seen both sides of this situation and its not always pretty.
On the one hand, I have come across a few Americans dressing in a fashion they wouldn’t dare to dress in for a mall back home but think it’s OK in the most conservative country in the world. My favorite has to be the married couple in micro shorts and tank tops at Landmark Mall. Really? Yes!
On the other hand, I have come across Muslims who dress so poorly it just hurts to watch. My favorite has to be the extremely polite older lady whom approached me at City Center as to why I was wearing pants while her daughter was in a abaya showing her leopard print leggings and massive bangs. Really? Yes!
Ummm…Bangs? Enlighten me please Ms Hala?
Bangs, hair section coming down over forehead…
Also known as a fringe 🙂
Really? You are judging someone for having bangs?? Wow. That is a new low for this group.
I think Ms Hala was just trying to explain the ignominy of the situation where in she was Being pulled up for what she was wearing but donning an abayah gives you license to thrill. Lol.
License to thrill. Haha. Did you see what I did there?
Oh dear, I kill me.
hehehe It is a new low when we point fingers at others and not look at ourselves, hence my joke about the fashion police and observation at the dress of the person stopping me at a mall to tell me my pants were “haram”.
Slapped wrist for you dear. Immoral thoughts. Tut tut!
I know where you were going with that.
I seriously didn’t know what it was but had shameful silicone thoughts I must admit ;-p
Fashion police? Would that be gay men by any chance?
I’m from San Francisco so I’m all for it! hehehe It could also be Joan Rivers from E!
I’d think it would be hilarious….
‘Oh darlin purlese…… What are you wearing? We really need to get you into something with that Middle East chic, after all you must be worth more than two camels….’
2 camels! hehehe I just read it in her voice, freaking hilarious! hehehe
Or… Sweetheart peleese. Is that makeup your wearing or a death mask? Sheeeshk. Gimme a break.
I’ll be Joan, you’ll be George. Now, who do we pick for Kelly, and Giuliana? :p
the Americans (did you check their passports?) you speak of sound a bit made up.
No but I had a nice conversation with them.
maybe i failed to understand your comment…can you make it short and direct shot to my brain
Articles like this simply create more polarization on viewpoints between expats and locals and only stoke the fire, without a real point. You can already see the disparate opinons and extreme viewpoints. Locals NOR expats can lead by example, because there is abuse on both sides. The irony is that the twitter pics also don’t include any “Correct” clothing images to help out those foreigners that may be ignorant of what is deemed approriate, or not. As for one recent post on expats trying to push culture, just look around you at all the malls, imported goods and fashions. That seems to me a choice to “Pull” rather than push. On the point of tourism, when in Rome, make sure you want people to come to Rome first by creating, as all major cities of the world do, an appropriate service and clearly defined culture engagement in order for people to get the most out of what you have to offer, at the same time, providing friendly recommended guidelines, accessible to all, to facilitate the experience…. the plan being to get people to come back again and again to this wonderful country. Don’t rely on funny You tube culture videos to provide details……it’s not doing it justice (Although I applaud the efforts).
I would start with regulating the inappropriate clothing from entering the country.
Soon afterwards, with the revenue drop from Western-style clothing stores, some international clothing retailers would be disinterested in operating in Qatar and leave.
Keep in mind that the sponsors would lose money in this deal too, that might be hard to swing as they are some of the same people on the committees to restrict what people wear in public.
It does not really matter to me, I dress conservative anyway. I just don’t look forward to more chandelier, honey and Oud shops.
I completely support the campaign. Every country has their
own laws and culture and it is our responsibility to respect them. I’ve been
here for more than 9 years now and it is amazing how nowadays you can see many
women wearing disrespectful clothes. This is not a mandatory dress code, they are
just asking to wear properly while in public places, not to wear abaya and
cover your head. Having a skirt a little bit longer doesn’t make you less pretty;
on the contrary it will avoid you to have an awful situation where some men start
chasing you.
This is their culture; this is their country, why it is so
difficult to understand.
Sorry I completely disagree with you. Tolerance of others is the mark of a civilised society which is why the campaigns in Europe to prevent Muslim women having their faces covered in public places are so repugnant to most people. Qatar is becoming a multi cultural country and needs to accommodate the ‘cultures’ of other people.
The better way forward for a multicultural society like Qatar (and that won’t change anytime soon with an 89-11% population split in favor of expatriates) is to accommodate all cultures in the public sphere.
The slogan could be: “I don’t care what you wear.”
This place is such an oxymoron. Women cover but barely, if at all, cover the drippings of gold, painted on jeans, extreme makeup and the like. Do they not understand that those things attract the eye? They’d be better of wearing sweat pants and a tshirt than the way they dress now.
There is an acting of piousness while seemingly forgetting what piousness is. There seems to be a total hypocrisy when wealth and religion meet.
According to the Koran:
“Give the kinsman his due, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and squander not (your wealth) in wantonness. Lo! the squanderers were ever brothers of the devils, and the devil was ever an ingrate to his Lord” (Quran 17:26-27).
Amr ibn Shuaib, on his father’s authority said that his grandfather related that the Prophet said: When you eat, drink, give charity and wear clothes, let no extravagance or pride be mixed up with what you do. (Ibn Maja, Nasai).
But then let’s treat the people who’s backs the country is built on like dogs and pay them next to nothing saying “It’s better than where they came from.”. And foreigners in general are treated with great disdain.
Those expats who don’t dress at least somewhat conservative are a great minority but even those who do are barred from shopping malls because of some made up slight. You want to be a world destination Qatar but you just don’t want the world to come here. If that makes sense.
“But then let’s treat the people who’s backs the country is built on like dogs and pay them next to nothing saying “It’s better than where they came from.”. And foreigners in general are treated with great disdain.” Oh I agree, it’s just horrid how some people treat those who work like dogs and do the jobs we don’t want to do 😉
MY country wasn’t and isn’t built on the back of mexicans. They have a lot of the low paying jobs but they are in no way the majority of workers in my country. And they’re not paid $5 a day. Know something other than the faux news you read. Try again.
I’m ashamed by some Western and Asian females lack of respect for the country they live in. I’m British and I believe that respect works both ways. I don’t blame the Qatari’s for being annoyed by this.
I think you’re very wrong innthat regard , the biggest culprits of this are women from the Levant and Eastern Europe .
I think the point shouldn’t be to decide which nationality or region produces the most offensive dressers. It should be about promoting respect between all people. And not in fashion, but in all areas. Complete and mutual respect, if ever achieved, would go a long way towards solving the vast majorities of the problems we have. Pointing the finger at one part of the world stating that they are the biggest culprits hardly solves anything.
first. world. problems. : )
today, Qataris may have banished poverty, but by the very same act they have summoned the very real possibility that they will lose their soul, defined as the utter inability to discern what’s really important in life in the first place, let alone reach it, probably because there’s a big pile of expats in the way : )
Why june only…why did not start earlier…Is it because ramadan is on the way
Just out of curiosity, what do Muslims feel about westerners wearing abayas? I often think how much easier it would be to just keep one in the car to pop on when you have to stop in at Carrefour or visit a government department. Easier than changing out of a strappy top you have been wearing at home just to nip to the supermarket. But I worry that in some way this could be perceived as more offensive or worse still, mockery. Thoughts?
I don’t think most Muslims would find that offensive at all. 🙂
I’ve often thought that too. Especially in the night of summer. I could pop my shorts and vest on but cover with an abaya so I don’t offend, but am too frightened incase I do offend…if that makes any sense!!
My wife wears one when out with friends who do. No issue they appreciate it very much.
You don’t need to wear a black abaya. There are very pretty colorful- caftan type abayas that others wear. If you feel a bit nervous about wearing an abaya, throw on one of those.
Great idea.
Wait till summer is over. Everyone will show ‘respect’ 🙂
So what is supposed to happen if you go for a jog, is it only men who can go out running or cycling incase the mere sight of women offend…….Equality anybody?
If there is a real issue here then it should be up to the authorities or Mall owners to address it rather than another ‘busybody’ who should find better things to get involved in. Ultimately these people are no better than the people in other countries who think that Muslim women should not be allowed to cover their face in public.
I suggest tackling this in one of two ways:
1) All expats boycott the malls where these people are going to be – I am sure the shop owners will be ‘delighted’ to see the loss of revenue.
2) All expats descend on the Mall where they are going to be and overrun the place with people who are dressed ‘inappropriately”.
I suggest that alll of these people book their holidays now when the World Cup comes in to town!
You are mentioning Expats as if we are collectively against a modest dress code. A lot of south east Asian Expats are for a modest dress code as well. Even among the non Muslims modesty is encouraged.
The only Expats that have issue with it are the ones who are from the west. Even then only half of them have a real issue with it.
So why are the shops in the Malls able to sell all this inappropriate clothing if unable to wear? A lot of this clothing is also displayed on mannequins in the shop windows. If available to buy, then surely must be acceptable to wear? There’s a lot of goods that are stopped from entering Qatar as they don’t comply with the laws etc.
Ive often thought the same…why model it if it isnt appropriate? Secondly can the appropriate authority please do something about the music in the shops which contain all sorts of profanities and misogynist lyrics!
LOL! You have brought up the question of the year and none of these groups will address that and I would think that The business community will stomp any argument against them making their money on these products. All you can do is laugh at the Irony and try to be modest in respect for the local culture.
It has to do with where you can wear them; you can buy these outfits and wear them at home, private parties, in your compound’s club house if they allow it, and so on. For example, you can buy a 2 piece bikini from some of the sport shops here, doesn’t mean you should be able to wear it anywhere 😉
Exactly what my wife just pointed out to me… She said under your abaya is under your abaya 🙂
You have no idea how great it is wearing an abaya… you can go out in your PJs and no one would notice 😀
Why even wear your pjs?
I don’t see what the fuss about covering up your legs and shoulders are. It is not like they are asking people to wear full hijab like they do in Saudi.
Not being able to wear short shorts is not the end of the world. Being from the states I’m even shocked by the way some women are dressing here now. Just total disregard for the culture.
Not full hijab, just abaya! ‘Er Indoors, still wears an abaya in certain locations in Doha just for a quiet life. Time spent in KSA means this is easy.
As a general rule I believe that individuals should be able to wear whatever they wish (within the confines of the law of course), however I also respect a nation’s right to uphold it’s traditions and values.
Having said that I would like to see the following happen prior to launch:
1. Receive official government backing (it could be argued that the lack of official support and the reluctance of QTA to endorse this campaign is an indication that it is borne out of personal belief and agenda rather than reflecting the official stance of the nation.
2. A more inclusive campaign to include both sexes and all nationalities.
3. Replace chocolates with fruit, diabetes is rife enough in the region without adding to the problem!
Nah–chocolate is way more enticing–hope I get a few.
Turn up in your “Daisy Dukes” and you’ll be fed chocolate all day 🙂
I was nodding till I got to 3.
Fruit? Grrrr. No way
How about chocolate covered strawberries…?
i think its about Being in a Islamic Country, you should at least know what you should wear.
I was thinking if you really go to reflect one’s appearance modestly, the campaign should also include restrictions on plastic surgeries and breast enhancements as well…….
I’ve been turned away from Immigration for wearing shorts, my mistake. I returned in smart trousers and shirt on to wait in the line whilst half a dozen Qatari’s pushed in front of me. Respect works both ways, if you insist I dress to show respect to the local culture (which I’m happy to do), then please show me the common courtesy of joining the line at the back. My time is no less valuable than yours, even if you are local and I am a guest in your country. And don’t even get me started on the driving.
If it’s an consolation, I’m Qatari, and I have often found myself standing in line or que where others just skipped over me and others. An Arab man (Lebanese I think) at MegaMart, a Qatari man at Aramex, women of different backgrounds at different places. So you see, it’s just us Qatari males doing that 😉
@abdulrahman So I guess I would have to ask is it far fetched to run campaigns to not only encourage modesty in dress but also respect. I know its not just Qataris but, have you ever heard the saying “Monkey see, Monkey do” That indicates that people see Qataris doing disrespectful things and they assume that it is OK in this country to do the same. I am American and I get soooo angry when I see some dumb Americans take on a habit like breaking in line when they know that back in New York that would initiate a “beat down” that they could receive from multiple people that have been waiting otherwise patiently. I agree that expats should respect local culture but we also have to encourage locals to show respect as well. As far as clothing… I would say that it is incredibly disrespect for for an American to come so far from home and disrespect local norms and I would encourage the company that brought them over to provide some stern guidelines on behavior as a condition of continued employment.
Was in subway a while back car roars in kids in front standing up etc etc. enter subway orders with his English accent. I let dad know don’t you worry.
Huh???
Monkey see monkey do. Kids in the car jumping everywhere
LOL gotcha.
Sure, why not. The only issue is that you don’t want to mix to many topics at once in the same campaign. Maybe separate campaigns for each of these issues 🙂
Too true. The PROs at government customer centers are the best at pushing in. I just tell them though and I get considered the rude one. Go figure hey.
I do not support this initiative, I think it is counter productive for individual citizens to take such matters into their own hands. Qatar prides itself on it’s openness, and the shopping Malls in particular could be anywhere in the Western world, complete with clothing which would look at home in any Western shopping Mall. Qataris love going to western cities, enjoying , and partaking in the local culture their- their choice.
The examples of ‘immodest ‘ clothing are really few and far between and, in my opinion, modesty is not just about covering your knees and shoulders. Conspicuous consumption, outrageously expensive designer abayas, often partly transparent, often decorated and including other patterns colours and fabrics, fistfuls of rings, heavy makeup, erotically provocative shoes, Complicated headwear, so carefully and artfully arranged to create tantalising profile the list goes on. Not just women either. Wearing a simple, cheap tee shirt and jeans, or a pretty dress is more modest in my eyes. I am NOT condoning those who go shopping in beach wear, but truly, I think they are probably newly arrived and are still overwhelmed by Sun Sun Sun.
If by modesty, they mean respect, then there are other issues to be brought into the equation in Malls, such as blatantly smoking cigarettes.
When Qatar decrees a dress code, so be it. Until then I would not be happy at all being lectured by anyone in a mall about my choice of attire- and I don’t eat chocolate.
I’m very respectful of local culture and dress modestly when in public. But no one seems to respect me on the roads….tailgating, cutting in, rampant lane changing to get ahead, running red lights, turning against a red arrow, ‘race and chase’ driving….it’s not respectful to put lives at risk. But hey, at least I’ve got my knees covered when some maniac rams my car!
Women decide themselves what to wear; they should not be told what not to do.
This article in a UK newspaper today adds an interesting twist to this thread…….
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2633708/Salzburg-fire-leaflet-Arab-visitors-telling-stop-haggling-prices-eating-hotel-floors-wearing-burkas.html
The last line in this article is very telling:
“In 2012 the Austrian Times reported that the regions tourism officials had cancelled all advertising for the Middle East.”
Racism there is an official practice and not just a feeling among the populace.
Read it and thought ummmmm not right at all
Who’ll join me to distribute pamphlets and little speeches on the need for safe driving and stopping queue jumping and other similar iissues!
I would 🙂 Can we add also smoking in malls, especially in bathrooms at the cinema, to that list too?
I see people sometimes smoking in Starbucks and other cafes inside malls, but cinemas and bathrooms? I have never seen that, and if true, this is actually very uncivilized and shows a deplorable lack of respect towards others..
lol Just go check the bathrooms at the cinemas in Villagio and City Center. You can almost always either find some of these young people smoking or at least smell that awful cigarette smoke.
And smoking outside the entrance of malls. Smells horrific.
And a pamphlet on how to treat domestic servants with dignity!
I think it is ok. As expats we have to settle in as we expect others to do where we comes from. Though the first thing I wondered about arriving Doha … Is that it is so hard to find a nice long dress … It takes at least 100 (VERY) short dresses to find a long one in the fashion stores … Just wondering? Maybe it will be easier for expats to understand the dress code in Qatar if the molls supported it too?
The so called dress code here is something I hate. It encourages oppression and intolerance When I travel I love seeing how other people dress, in New York, Berlin, Hong Kong pretty much any cosmopolitan city you can see people wearing all kinds of fun and crazy outfits. People use fashion as a form of self expression. I have no problem with a Qatari wearing an Abaya in my country. I should be able to wear what I want here. I want my children to understand that whether you have a pink Mohawk and cut off shorts, or an abaya, you can be kind intelligent person. Restricting what people wear is ridiculous. Are Qataris not supposed to expose there kids to media, tv, posters and clothes in Villagio ? If you want to be oppressed move to Saudi.
what’s the use of dressing modestly. i have dressed modestly since the day i came to qatar but it didn’t stop a pervert from groping me in broad daylight on a busy street and NO ONE HELPED even as i screamed. such hypocrisy. why not just launch a campaign that teach parents to raise better human beings who know what respect means?
Respect is Reciprocal.
I feel that the efforts by Umm Abdullah with her grass roots campaign should be applauded. Irrespective of other issues that others feel are more important (driving/ queue jumping), this campaign is important to those participating and they have taken considered and appropriate action. Not only are they taking an interest in something important to them, they are making the effort to address it instead of simply complaining to the authorities. Good luck.
On a side note, what’s the deal with running shorts /singlet (on a male) if you are actually on a run? Is it ok, or perhaps a thread too few for places like the corniche?
So you fully support the efforts of some people in Europe to force Muslim women to remove their face coverings in public? This is also a ‘grass roots’ movement where the authorities are not getting involved. Intimidating innocent women who are shopping seems totally unacceptable to me.
The campaigns in Europe against Islamic head covering and related are a ‘grass roots’ movement where the authorities are not getting involved?!
Not really the case I’m afraid. These campaigns have been mostly dominated by right wing ultra nationalistic politicians, and they did pass laws to ban the face veil and even the covering of the head. So no, they are not even remotely the same.
But how would you feel if a group of locals in Europe took it upon themselves to ‘educate’ Muslim women of the ‘culture’ and invited them to remove their face covering?
Whilst it is true that there are some ‘far right’ politicians calling for a ban on the veil they are just feeding off the feelings of certain members of the population. Tolerance of others and an acceptance of our cultural differences is he only way for people yo live together in harmony.
There is little, if no, banning of head covering in Europe AR. Some countries have banned, or are proposing to ban, face veils.
As a Brit, I would not be allowed to enter a bank, or a Public Building wearing a motorcycle helmet, but if I chose to wear a headscarf, no problem – but a Muslim woman could wear a veil.
So please give up with the Europe persecutes Muslims routine. As you have pointed out before, Qataris LOVE London. If it was so offensive, they would be loathed to go there. Clearly they don’t.