Adhere to modest dress standards in public areas

We wear what we think is comfortable for us, yet we want to follow a decorum when we go to meetings and offices. How about in leisure mode?

More and more shopping complexes and malls are putting up posters requesting people to be decently dressed while entering the premises. We followed the rules when it came to wearing facial masks during the pandemic but when it came to requests to be dressed modestly, there seemed to be hiccups.

Are we aware about Article 294, according to which public decency violations are punishable by a fine in the Omani Penal Code? According to the law, all nationals and expatriates, men and women are, “barred from wearing sleeveless T-shirts and shorts in public places” -- and this includes shopping malls, souqs, beaches, public roads and so on. Violations of the regulations are punishable with fines that can range between RO 100 to RO 300, which could include imprisonment of one to three months.

These two or one of these two penalties “shall be imposed on any person who appears in public roads or places in a manner that undermines public morals or is contrary to the traditions and customs of society.”

To be avoided also are T-shirts with inappropriate texts. In addition to the law, there are sentiments. “People can choose what they want to wear but in public places the thoughts are also connected with children being around people who are dressed disrespectfully and learning from them or copying them,” said Mohammed al Mashani.

If one is new to Oman and is unsure of the dress code in the country, one of the easiest ways to find out what is okay would be to observe the citizens. The concept is to be modest and well covered, this is what most of the malls require the visitors to follow. “For me I think what a person wears represents who they are and the values they have and of course their culture as well as religion,” said Hasna Namani.

She noted that she feels if someone dresses up and is comfortable and happy at the same time not wearing revealing clothes then even the society will have a good perception about them. “When you dress well you represent confidence and respect. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge our surroundings and that is why when we dress it’s not just about us. It is also about the public in general and the society we interact with every day. We have to consider the different places we go to and the people we meet. With this in mind, it is important to represent yourself the best way you possibly can through not only your clothing, but also your body language and your tone of voice. We need to have etiquette that represents us at all times,” explained Hasna. Dr Vandana Jyotirmayee, a faculty member at mass communication department, UTAS, Salalah, who interacts daily with students, says, “Being an Indian, I find that certain values of Oman and India match to a great extent, that too when it comes to dressing modestly in public places. If you look at the traditional dresses of women in Oman, you will notice the similarities. When you enjoy the peace, beautiful environment and a good life which Oman offers, then just to dress up gracefully, is a very small way to show respect to the country where you reside.”

As tourists, visitors would travel to many locations. A perfect way of understanding what is appropriate in the culture is to see how people are dressed when they visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. “Women must cover their heads with a scarf, wear full - length trousers or a long skirt, and not show their arms,” writes a blogger while giving tips to potential visitors to the Sultanate of Oman.

The headscarf is not necessary in other places but being well covered is a respect one can offer to others in an Islamic nation. This is how marathonoman.com advised its participants, “It is essential to have arms and shoulders covered at all times. Strapless shirts and dresses are not acceptable. In addition, skirts should reach at least beneath the knee. Long skirts and dresses comply perfectly with the local dress code.”

@lakshmioman