It is known that when we travel to a Muslim country, we must pay special attention to our way of dressing if we do not want to be offensive or show little respect. On Oman They have proposed to facilitate the task of those who visit the country through a dress code intended primarily for tourists. However, many fear that precisely this code is very harmful to tourism.
Before its implementation, the Ministry of Tourism plans to organize an awareness campaign through its branches abroad by distributing brochures that explain to potential visitors about "How to dress decently (sic) while visiting Oman".
So, as explained by the ministry itself, tourists will be encouraged to wear what they call "respectful clothing" as a way of expressing their goodwill and their respect for the society and culture that welcomes them. The idea, they say, is avoid conflict situations and that both locals and visitors feel comfortable at all times.
Although we have not yet been able to leaf through one of these brochures on the dress code for tourists, we will soon have doubts as the government of Oman plans to distribute them through the country's border posts and in some of the main airports of origin around the world.
It should be remembered in this regard that a few weeks ago two tourists were arrested by the Royal Oman Police on charges of "committing indecent acts" in the Mughsayl area, in the Salalah wilayat. It appears to have been an indecently dressed (Western-style) couple who kissed and cuddled in public. A behavior that in Oman is judged as immoral and that punishes with an economic sanction in the best of cases.