UAE woman confirms Dubai Police's 'swift action' after beach indecency report
Dubai Police took 'swift action' after an Emirati woman reported an act of public indecency at a local beach on December 8. The incident has sparked a broad discussion about the need for cultural respect and awareness in shared spaces.After sharing her initial frustration, Amna Al Haddad confirmed in a second post on December 11 that Dubai Police are following up on the case. She thanked the authorities for their professionalism and reminded the public that they can report concerning behaviour through the Police Eye feature on the Dubai Police app.The incident happened when the 35-year-old saw a man publicly undressing in a beach parking lot. In a video posted on her Instagram account, she described feeling “genuinely shocked” and “violated,” noting that the act goes against the nation’s cultural values and public decency laws. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.Her post, which quickly gained traction, highlighted the potential impact of such behaviour on both adults and children.Speaking to Khaleej Times, Amna emphasised that maintaining a safe and respectful environment is a collective responsibility. “Safety in any community is a collective effort and a shared responsibility,” she said. “Respecting rules and laws in public spaces ensures that a sense of safety and dignity is upheld for everyone.” View this post on Instagram She urged a more constructive approach beyond just reacting to the incident. “Focusing on the incident itself keeps us reactive; a more constructive approach is a call to action for stronger educational awareness campaigns in public spaces such as airports, beaches, schools, and malls — particularly family-oriented environments. Respect protects everyone,” she added.Her call for greater awareness has resonated with many residents, including Hannah George, a British expatriate who has lived in Dubai for just over a year, shared similar concerns with Khaleej Times.“While I was at Kite Beach, I noticed that some people were moving directly from the beach into public food, walking and cycling areas wearing very minimal swimwear,” Hannah said. She added “On the beach and in the sea, swimwear is of course appropriate. However, once you step into shared public spaces such as cafés, walking paths and family-friendly areas, I think it’s important to be mindful of local culture and the law.”Hannah believes that both residents and visitors have a responsibility to be aware of and respect local customs in the welcoming city of Dubai. “Simple actions, like covering up when leaving the beach or being mindful of attire in public areas, go a long way in maintaining mutual respect in shared spaces,” she said.Public decency in UAE Visitors and residents in the UAE are expected to respect local cultural norms and laws regarding clothing and public behaviour. According to the Official Platform of the UAE Government, individuals should dress modestly in public places and avoid transparent, indecent, or revealing clothing that may offend local customs and decency standards, especially outside designated areas like beaches and pools.At public beaches, wearing swimwear such as bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, or swim trunks is acceptable while on the beach or in the water, but swimwear must not be worn outside the beach area into public spaces like promenades, cafés, or shops. Individuals are advised to cover up with appropriate clothing when leaving the beach area. Importantly, topless sunbathing and any form of nudity are strictly prohibited across the UAE, including on beaches, and such acts can lead to intervention by authorities for violating public decency laws. These guidelines reflect the UAE’s commitment to maintaining a family-friendly environment and upholding cultural values of respect and modesty in public spaces.UAE: Up to Dh1-million fine, jail for sharing prohibited content on social mediaUAE: Man fined Dh20,000 for posting woman’s photos online without her consent
Dubai Police took 'swift action' after an Emirati woman reported an act of public indecency at a local beach on December 8. The incident has sparked a broad discussion about the need for cultural respect and awareness in shared spaces.
After sharing her initial frustration, Amna Al Haddad confirmed in a second post on December 11 that Dubai Police are following up on the case. She thanked the authorities for their professionalism and reminded the public that they can report concerning behaviour through the Police Eye feature on the Dubai Police app.
The incident happened when the 35-year-old saw a man publicly undressing in a beach parking lot. In a video posted on her Instagram account, she described feeling “genuinely shocked” and “violated,” noting that the act goes against the nation’s cultural values and public decency laws.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Her post, which quickly gained traction, highlighted the potential impact of such behaviour on both adults and children.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Amna emphasised that maintaining a safe and respectful environment is a collective responsibility. “Safety in any community is a collective effort and a shared responsibility,” she said. “Respecting rules and laws in public spaces ensures that a sense of safety and dignity is upheld for everyone.”
She urged a more constructive approach beyond just reacting to the incident. “Focusing on the incident itself keeps us reactive; a more constructive approach is a call to action for stronger educational awareness campaigns in public spaces such as airports, beaches, schools, and malls — particularly family-oriented environments. Respect protects everyone,” she added.
Her call for greater awareness has resonated with many residents, including Hannah George, a British expatriate who has lived in Dubai for just over a year, shared similar concerns with Khaleej Times.
“While I was at Kite Beach, I noticed that some people were moving directly from the beach into public food, walking and cycling areas wearing very minimal swimwear,” Hannah said.
She added “On the beach and in the sea, swimwear is of course appropriate. However, once you step into shared public spaces such as cafés, walking paths and family-friendly areas, I think it’s important to be mindful of local culture and the law.”
Hannah believes that both residents and visitors have a responsibility to be aware of and respect local customs in the welcoming city of Dubai. “Simple actions, like covering up when leaving the beach or being mindful of attire in public areas, go a long way in maintaining mutual respect in shared spaces,” she said.
Public decency in UAE
Visitors and residents in the UAE are expected to respect local cultural norms and laws regarding clothing and public behaviour. According to the Official Platform of the UAE Government, individuals should dress modestly in public places and avoid transparent, indecent, or revealing clothing that may offend local customs and decency standards, especially outside designated areas like beaches and pools.
At public beaches, wearing swimwear such as bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, or swim trunks is acceptable while on the beach or in the water, but swimwear must not be worn outside the beach area into public spaces like promenades, cafés, or shops. Individuals are advised to cover up with appropriate clothing when leaving the beach area.
Importantly, topless sunbathing and any form of nudity are strictly prohibited across the UAE, including on beaches, and such acts can lead to intervention by authorities for violating public decency laws.
These guidelines reflect the UAE’s commitment to maintaining a family-friendly environment and upholding cultural values of respect and modesty in public spaces.
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