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A Clash....but not of Civilisations

A classic case of a clash, not of civilisations, but cultures, religion and the 21st century.

Dubai has actively courted tourists. Just think grand hotels and the Kingdom's premier airlines, Emirates. But, and it's a big but, there are now to be limitations on many things which tourists probably take for granted, coming from the West.

TravelMole reports in "Dubai gets serious with its social restrictions":

"Dubai revealed their new behavior guidelines last weekend in the local media, though it remains unclear if they will become law."

And:

"Dancing and playing loud music in public will be banned. Couples kissing, holding hands or hugging could face fines or detention.

Miniskirts and skimpy shorts would no longer be tolerated outside hotels and other private areas. Bikini wearers also could be chased off public beaches and only allowed on the fenced-off sands of luxury resorts.

Other no-nos: drinking alcohol outside licensed premises or swearing and displaying rude gestures in public, the newspaper said.

Whatever the fate of the proposed instructions, it's highly unlikely any crackdown could spill over to Dubai's many resorts and nightclubs, where booze flows freely and the attire is the same as any tropical vacation spot.

For now, the rules appear aimed at one of Dubai's main tourist draws: the mega-malls that serve as full-service entertainment hubs and where already, signs encourage shoppers to respect local customs and keep hem lines sensible and T-shirts from getting too skimpy."

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