Ras Al Khaimah has issued a new law banning bikinis and tight men's swim trunks on public beaches. I strongly believe we - as a community - have failed to be clear about what sort of behaviour by visitors is allowed and what is not allowed.
The seven emirates are united, yet divided. I do not know in what sense we are united when we cannot even come up with a unified guideline about dress code.
What is allowed in Dubai is not allowed in Abu Dhabi and what is prohibited in Sharjah is permissible in Al Ain. Such contradictions leave tourists and our fellow residents confused. But the issue not about bikinis, it is about a lack of cultural and religious awareness.
Tourists do not always come here for the sole purpose of hitting the beach. But they are here to enjoy their vacation. In fact, the majority of tourists come from Europe where they often do not get sufficient tanning time and sunlight. Wearing swim suit is part of their culture and they do not walk on beaches in swimming attire to offend anyone. The reality is that they are unaware of the religious and cultural values.
Too often tourists come from an environment that is different than ours. We have a social responsibility to educate them upon their arrival about the country's culture, religion and prohibitions. Perhaps one solution is to have tourist-only beaches, which can be avoided by people who prefer more modesty in the sun.
A few months ago, there was an uproar on Twitter about creating a dress code in the country. Unfortunately, we have yet to see any concrete plans from higher authorities. Delaying the introduction of a plan shows our lack of seriousness.
I do understand people's concerns about this issue, but shouldn't we take the time to let tourists know how we feel about the whole issue and ask how they feel? By doing this, we could come to a mutual understanding.
*Editor's note: Asmaa wrote this blog before the RAK police statement clarifying the stand on beachwear.
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
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The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
Where to buy
Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com
Fight card
Bantamweight
Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) v Rey Nacionales (PHI)
Lightweight
Alexandru Chitoran (ROM) v Hussein Fakhir Abed (SYR)
Catch 74kg
Tohir Zhuraev (TJK) v Omar Hussein (JOR)
Strawweight (Female)
Weronika Zygmunt (POL) v Seo Ye-dam (KOR)
Featherweight
Kaan Ofli (TUR) v Walid Laidi (ALG)
Lightweight
Leandro Martins (BRA) v Abdulla Al Bousheiri (KUW)
Welterweight
Ahmad Labban (LEB) v Sofiane Benchohra (ALG)
Bantamweight
Jaures Dea (CAM) v Nawras Abzakh (JOR)
Lightweight
Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Glen Ranillo (PHI)
Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) v Aidan Aguilera (AUS)
Welterweight
Mounir Lazzez (TUN) Sasha Palatnikov (HKG)
Featherweight title bout
Romando Dy (PHI) v Lee Do-gyeom (KOR)
Brief scores:
Toss: Nepal, chose to field
UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23
Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17
Result: UAE won by 21 runs
Series: UAE lead 1-0
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