No more bikinis and Speedos at UAE beaches
Cairo ,Almasalla Travel News, -Tourists are being warned to cover up on certain public beaches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or face a fine for showing too much skin.
Authorities in Ras al-Khaimah, the northernmost emirate in the UAE, have posted signs on public beaches warning of possible fines for revealing swimwear such as two-piece bikinis for women and Speedo-style swimming trunks for men.
Located just 60 miles northeast of Dubai, the emirate installed the signs in response to complaints from local families, according to the Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National.
Ras al-Khaimah is one of the least popular emirates for tourists, with the majority of holidaymakers choosing Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, where bikinis are still allowed on beaches.
But the decision highlights the cultural challenges facing the UAE as it attempts to balance its booming tourism industry with the sensibilities of its conservative citizens.
Many local women choose to wear the modest abaya to the beach and few enter the water to swim.
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi tourists can wear bikinis on the beach but are advised to cover up when visiting other public areas, such as the malls.
In 2010, a British woman was arrested after she stripped off to a bikini in the Dubai Mall following an altercation with a local who complained about her wearing a low-cut top.
Throughout the mall, signs urge women to "wear respectful clothing".
Similar messages are flashed up on LCD screens in most shopping malls across the United Arab Emirates.
The Foreign Office (FCO) advises visitors to the UAE to dress modestly when in public areas.
The FCO website recommends that "clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible. Swimming attire should be worn only on beaches or at swimming pools."
