Dubai cracks down on topless sunbathing, nudity

Melbourne, July 15 : Authorities in Dubai are cracking down on topless sunbathing, nudity and other forms of indecent behaviour following a Brit couple's arrest for having sex on a beach.

The strict Muslim city-state that attracts thousands of Western partygoers, has appointed undercover police to patrol beaches and man watchtowers as part of a new campaign against indecency.

Dubai's Criminal Investigation Department spokesman, Zuhair Haroun said that over the past two weeks, police have detained a total of 79 people for "disturbing families enjoying the beach" with their behaviour, reports News.com.au.

With the city receiving a number of complaints, ranging from families "offended by displays of nudity" to women sunbathers who say groups of men stare at them while at the beach, the place has been forced to launch a public awareness campaign to remind Western tourists and foreign residents that the city is located in a Muslim country with traditionally conservative values.

Signs warning tourists in Arabic, English and several other languages not to sunbathe topless or change clothes in public has been erected, along with watchtowers.

Police have warned that first-time offenders may be issued with a warning, but if caught twice, tourists could be referred to the public prosecutor for possible criminal charges.

The police campaign will target people who harass beachgoers with acts "deemed offensive, immoral or disrespectful," including loitering and voyeurism, said Dubai's acting police chief, Maj. Gen. Khamis Mattar al-Mazeina.

ANI