The Importance Of Dressing Respectfully In Muslim Countries

The Importance Of Dressing Respectfully In Muslim Countries

Irrespective of The Foreign Offices advice, which states that travellers to Islamic countries should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions all the time, few will argue that being respectful to their host country is something they are not willing to do. Offending locals is something to be aware of also, especially during the holy month of Ramadan and when paying visit to places of significant religious importance.

Here are 5 of the most visited Muslim countries and how best to be respectful when there:

Morocco

It’s true that Morocco is generally more relaxed and laidback about dress codes than many other Muslim countries, but it should be noted that women will still draw attention to themselves when travelling alone or as a group of females. To reduce the risk of unwanted attention, female travellers are advised to dress modestly, which usually means covering your knees and shoulders at the very least.

Many mosques in Morocco are not open to foreigners or non-Muslims, so the issue of dressing respectfully is not applicable here, but of course even if you are

near a site of religious importance, you will attract attention if you are not dressed respectfully and may easily offend local people.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates official website for tourism states that visitors to the country should display respect for local culture and customs, and it is no secret that beachwear belongs strictly on the beach, here. In fact, the emirate of Sharjah does not allow women to wear swimsuits on public beaches.

Public spaces such as shopping malls require that women dress modestly, with arms and legs covered and swimwear is strictly not permitted. If you’re feeling as

if the rules of modesty apply only to women, under no circumstances are men permitted to be bare-chested when anywhere but at the beach. Be warned that fines may apply if you are caught wearing clothing that is considered offensive to Emiratis, and jail sentences are occasionally handed out.

Turkey

Turkey is a popular and relatively liberal country when it comes to religious modesty, but as is the case in most Muslim countries, special care to dress respectfully should be taken when visiting mosques and shrines. Usually, dress codes are posted outside each place of religious significance, so there should be no confusion about what you are permitted to wear.

Egypt

In this country, the ministry of tourism doesn’t provide visitors with any specific dress codes, but being a predominantly Muslim country, it is always wise to dress modestly whenever possible, particularly when in rural areas, mosques or souks. Of course, Egypt is a popular tourist retreat, but bear in mind that what may be considered as acceptable clothing in a resort frequented by foreigners may not be so desirable once you visit other areas of the country. The consensus is that women should keep their legs and upper arms covered wherever possible, and men should not be bare chested.

Saudi Arabia

Keeping in mind that Saudi women are forbidden to appear in public with their heads uncovered, female visitors to the country would be advised to adhere to the same rule. In fact, most women in public will be fully clothed from head to toe, and while some areas of the country may be a little more tolerant of western attire, the capital city of Riyadh is very conservative and modest clothing is highly recommended.

To ensure that you have a happy vacation and do not incur the wrath of your host country, be sure to research the dress requirements before you visit. There is no

reason why something as simple as covering your arms and legs should prevent you from enjoying yourself and having a meaningful trip to a Muslim country, so don’t let this deter you, simply dress modestly and behave respectfully, and all will be well.

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