Dubai Bank says all female staff must wear abayas

[khalsa1699]

Dubai Bank says all female staff must wear abayas



By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter
Published: August 21, 2009, 22:50


Dubai: All female staff at Dubai Bank, Muslim and non-Muslim, must wear a shailah (head scarf) and abaya (black cloak covering the whole body) starting this Ramadan, Gulf News has learnt.

A memo sent to staff on Thursday says the bank has decided that all Muslim and non-Muslim female staff must wear a shailah and abaya.
A Dubai Bank official who would not reveal his name said a memo was issued to this effect by the human resources manager, informing employees that starting from the first day of Ramadan all female employees must wear a shailah and abaya regardless of their religion.

"Our bank is Islamic and must follow Sharia in all respects, which will satisfy our clients," he said. While the decision takes effect beginning first of Ramadan, it has become a rule and part of the dress code for female employees at all times.




Gulf News contacted Dubai Bank on several occasions, but officials would not comment on the memo.

Gulf News has learnt that the proposal on the dress code was made by the bank's Fatwa and Sharia Supervisory Board in June and it was endorsed by the management. A circular was then issued on Thursday.

The Fatwa and Sharia Supervisory Board's proposal, a copy of which has been obtained by Gulf News, says the abaya should not have any embroidery or decoration on it and must not be coloured.

It says any female staff who does not adhere to this dress code should be advised by the human resources department at the bank to follow it.

If the staff member insists on not abiding by the law then the matter should be brought to the notice of the executive member of the Sharia supervisory board who can decide upon action to be taken against that staff.

The bank will encourage employees to wear a shailah and abaya by providing staff with them. The head of the human resources department has been instructed to ensure that employees adhere to the dress code.

The bank has given employees a grace period until after the Eid holiday after which it will become mandatory.

The proposal, signed by Shaikh Mohammad Taqi Usmani, Chairman of the Fatwa and Sharia Supervisory Board of Dubai Bank, says the move will gain customers' confidence and help market the bank's products.

Many customers, the proposal said, choose a bank based upon its appearance before considering other aspects. The dress code is essential in determining the bank's identity as a Sharia compliant institution.


http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/General/10342385.html

[Atlantic Friend]

The Fatwa and Sharia Supervisory Board's proposal, a copy of which has been obtained by Gulf News, says the abaya should not have any embroidery or decoration on it and must not be coloured.

Ah, an invisible abaya then. Shouldn't be too difficult.

[AZZenny]

You know, **** Dubai.

[3rdMillhouse]

And that's Islam right there folks, just as afraid of and disgusted by women as a bunch of 5 yr old kids. Eewww Girl germs XD

[sheytanelkebir]

well. it is an "islamic" bank... employees can vote with their feet and find a job at emiratesNBD HSBC or Lloyd's bank...

in effect the above is an "official uniform" of one company, keeping in line with its "corporate image", doesn't sound particularly evil to me.

worked in plenty of places with silly requirements about clothing like that... if i didn't like it. i quit.

[2495]

And that's Islam right there folks, just as afraid of and disgusted by women as a bunch of 5 yr old kids. Eewww Girl germs XD


I LOL'd.

They really got that homo women hating thing going on haven't they? well, fvck Dubai, and I can see alot of western workers now pulling their money out sharpish.

[sheytanelkebir]

I LOL'd.

They really got that homo women hating thing going on haven't they? well, fvck Dubai, and I can see alot of western workers now pulling their money out sharpish.

i doubt there were any westerners with an account in dubai bank in the first place... its a "sharia compliant" bank. meaning its more expensive and doesn't pay out proper interest!

so only the "proper islamists" banked there in the first place... hence the customers wanted to be served by "islamically dressed" employees, hence "customer is always right" principle was put into practice by the management... there really isn't any news here...

PS. there's about 20 or more non-islamic retail banks to choose from, bpth for depositors and for employees who don't want to dress up in the "traditional dress".

[One?]

its a work uniform....:roll:

[khukuri]

this whole thread is retarded...

Its a niche bank catering for deeply religious muslims who are willing to take crappy terms, lol

So what a great marketing plan it was in the first place to have non muslim looking staff to man an islamic bank.


And that's Islam right there folks, just as afraid of and disgusted by women as a bunch of 5 yr old kids. Eewww Girl germs XD


You are the one that comes a cross like a 5 year old, did you even read the article? They are running a religious Islamic bank and have realized that having non hijag wearing staff doesn't exactly look Islamic.

[budgie]

"Many customers, the proposal said, choose a bank based upon its appearance before considering other aspects. The dress code is essential in determining the bank's identity as a Sharia compliant institution. "

Customers gotta come first, and the bank has to please the locals. I was with HSBC and most of the women wore their national dress. Didn't bother me none.

As one of the most relaxed countries in the ME the UAE isn't that hard to live in and the rules aren't that hard to follow. They cut foreigners a lot of slack in Dubai.

[NUCKINFUTS]

this whole thread is retarded...

You are the one that comes a cross like a 5 year old, did you even read the article? They are running a religious Islamic bank and have realized that having non hijag wearing staff doesn't exactly look Islamic.

Me and my Muslim friend were talking about why women of Islam usually wear all of the clothing, I asked him what's the reason behind covering the head and he stated that it never had to do with anything being religious but to protect the face of women during harsh sand storms, etc. I don't know if he was just feeding me sh!t but I took his word for it.

[dave81]

I don't see what the big deal is. The uniform for the stewardesses of Emirates Air is a modified headscarf. You don't want to wear the abaya, go find another job.

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4471/emiratescrew.jpg (http://img43.imageshack.us/i/emiratescrew.jpg/)

[budgie]

Just for the record I never wore a scarf. And the dude in the pic was disgraced for ****** harrassment.

[JKD]

Their bank their dress code.

[ZeroZen]

^I agree. unless they impose customers to wear that kind of uniform.

[tea drinker]

What would people say if a bank over here asked all their staff to immediately wear a half stone crucifix around their neck? Would you say that any Muslims who didn't like it should leave? Oh oh the customers don't want it? Is that because they are open minded about these things?

Ok, it might actually be more appropriate attire for our banks to wear a balaclava or hoodie or at least a mask of some kind.

[ggk]

What would people say if a bank over here asked all their staff to immediately wear a half stone crucifix around their neck? Would you say that any Muslims who didn't like it should leave? Oh oh the customers don't want it? Is that because they are open minded about these things?

.

is it an orthodoks christian bank?



Ok, it might actually be more appropriate attire for our banks to wear a balaclava or hoodie or at least a mask of some kind


is it the 'Bank Robers Bank'?....now thats weird.

the point is its the bank uniform. If the workers doesnt like wearing balaclava in the 'Bank Robers Bank'..he can resign.

[tea drinker]

is it an orthodoks christian bank?
....
.....

the point is its the bank uniform. If the workers doesnt like wearing balaclava in the 'Bank Robers Bank'..he can resign.
Having an islamic bank that can realistically only employ Muslims or their lackeys doesn't seem discriminatory to you?

As far as I know there are no mainstream "Christian" banks. People here don't have a need to associate money and religion so closely, and if they did IMHO it would be in an inclusive fashion.

My reference about western banks is they have a nasty habit of repossessing homes in unwarranted circumstances and other unsavory acts that take advantage of their customers.

[ggk]

Having an islamic bank that can realistically only employ Muslims or their lackeys doesn't seem discriminatory to you?

.

its an Arab country.....

[dave81]

I find a disturbing lack of Bangladeshi tellers from Rajshahi province, whenever I'm at a bank in Iowa. Oh sure, you might have the occasional Dhakan at one of the smaller credit unions, but I'm pretty sure they're discriminating against an entire section of our society.

[tea drinker]

I find a disturbing lack of Bangladeshi tellers from Rajshahi province, whenever I'm at a bank in Iowa. Oh sure, you might have the occasional Dhakan at one of the smaller credit unions, but I'm pretty sure they're discriminating against an entire section of our society.
There is only 20% Arabs in Dubai - this does not fit with your point.


its an Arab country.....
or yours.....

[futurepilot2004]

An islamic bank in an islamic sountry....if you dont like it, dont work there!!

[khukuri]

Having an islamic bank that can realistically only employ Muslims or their lackeys doesn't seem discriminatory to you?

As far as I know there are no mainstream "Christian" banks.


What part of niche bank specializing in small market segment dont you get. You dont need to be a muslim to work there, its part of their uniform. Its a religiously connected organisation, its not that strange that they adhere to the religion they market for.

Islam regulates interest rates and other things, as such some people like to actually follow their religion even in their banking life. Therefore you have islamic banks that offer different financial services than mainstream banks, ie there is a market segment and gap for them.



Me and my Muslim friend were talking about why women of Islam usually wear all of the clothing, I asked him what's the reason behind covering the head and he stated that it never had to do with anything being religious but to protect the face of women during harsh sand storms, etc. I don't know if he was just feeding me sh!t but I took his word for it.

That could be one theory but there are other far more correct and accurate ones out there. But its all pointless, you cant argue with peoples religion like that. There is no point in going to the source to find "the original" islam or "how it really is". The point I am trying to make is that religion evolves and so does peoples beliefs. There are already hundreds of version of different muslims believing in different things even thou having most stuff in common. You cant have a scientific approach to religion and theology, most peoples "daily beliefs" have root in something else than the koran, things like culture or religios laws that have been added. You cant tell someone that their version of their religion is wrong. That concept simply isnt viable, it doesnt work that way.

[tea drinker]

But now we are back to square one of my argument - I want all my staff to wear a huuuge cross, and a T-shirt with Jesus saves (money). Tell me, how many UK muslims (who are an even smaller minority than the Arabs in Dubai) would think this as acceptable behaviour??? I am just putting the shoe on the other foot as regards tolerance.

It seems to me tolerance is fine as long as it is running one way. I know Dubai is open to westerners, I lived there. But I HATE the Burka and the stone age past it represents. This seems to me a step back.

Sure - I understand that the bank is catering for a bunch of probably very rich bigoted guys who can take their business elsewhere. It's about marketing, but I don't like what they are selling, and I don't like the customer. I always laugh when I hear about the "elite" Arabs who are the beacon of Islam, preaching one thing publicly, but privately getting drunk and chasing women.
So yeah, it's all about them and their money. Perception and image is everything.

[sheytanelkebir]

But now we are back to square one of my argument - I want all my staff to wear a huuuge cross, and a T-shirt with Jesus saves (money). Tell me, how many UK muslims (who are an even smaller minority than the Arabs in Dubai) would think this as acceptable behaviour??? I am just putting the shoe on the other foot as regards tolerance.

I would wear it... depending on how much you paid me! its just a bloody uniform after all. Many of the northern european countries have a cross in their flags, and many companies have one in their logos... so plenty of muslims would already be wearing them...

It seems to me tolerance is fine as long as it is running one way. I know Dubai is open to westerners, I lived there. But I HATE the Burka and the stone age past it represents. This seems to me a step back.

didn't see many burkhas in dubai mysself. though i was only there for a couple of years. Its certainly not my favoured choice of attire, but who am i to impose my choice on others...

Sure - I understand that the bank is catering for a bunch of probably very rich bigoted guys who can take their business elsewhere. It's about marketing, but I don't like what they are selling, and I don't like the customer.

everyone's free, including you... disliking people for their choice of "bank" is your pejorative...

I always laugh when I hear about the "elite" Arabs who are the beacon of Islam, preaching one thing publicly, but privately getting drunk and chasing women.
So yeah, it's all about them and their money. Perception and image is everything.

i don't get this point... ermm... isn't it the same everywhere...


i think the media "campaign" has really gotten to you... you need to chill out. its not the end of the world. Dubai have commissioned churches (catholic, protestant and orthodox) for their alien residents, as well as gurdawara, hindu temples and shia hoseynias. So, I think your rage is slightly mis-directed... see over the border in saudi for the real-deal.

[Atari400]

An islamic bank in an islamic sountry....if you dont like it, dont work there!!

Hear, hear! :hug:

[tea drinker]

An islamic bank in an islamic sountry....if you dont like it, dont work there!!

Hear, hear! :hug:
Not even argiung this point - I actually agree!
My argument is why don't Muslims expect the same attitude in western countries? If you don't like it get the next flight to Riyadh?

Hardly the sort of attitude to bring a greater understanding between cultures.

[sheytanelkebir]

Not even argiung this point - I actually agree!
My argument is why don't Muslims expect the same attitude in western countries? If you don't like it get the next flight to Riyadh?

Hardly the sort of attitude to bring a greater understanding between cultures.

what do you think of my reply?

[Dercius]

I will drink some champagne the day I see those big towers in the "golden cage" falling down one after the other. They can have 21 century technology but are still trapped in their 12 century mindset

[sheytanelkebir]

I will drink some champagne the day I see those big towers in the "golden cage" falling down one after the other. They can have 21 century technology but are still trapped in their 12 century mindset

LOL... and now you know how the al-qaeda supporters think. just like you.

[tea drinker]

I think your rage is slightly mis-directed... see over the border in saudi for the real-deal.
Didn't I just get through explaining to you how they are anything but the real deal? How about Saudi diplomats well known for boozing/drink driving and slut chasing? How are these people any example for Muslims? It seems to me too much power and money has utterly corrupted these guys.
And it looks to me this bank is catering for the same clique (retards)

It's an exploitation of Islam for material gain, (probably against the founding priciples of the bank) and yes it's the same crap in the west - but we don't pretend otherwise.

[sheytanelkebir]

Didn't I just get through explaining to you how they are anything but the real deal? How about Saudi diplomats well known for boozing/drink driving and slut chasing? How are these people any example for Muslims? It seems to me too much power and money has utterly corrupted these guys.
And it looks to me this bank is catering for the same clique (retards)

It's an exploitation of Islam for material gain, (probably against the founding priciples of the bank) and yes it's the same crap in the west - but we don't pretend otherwise.
everyone pretends.

you are more than prepared to cast the first stone in this thread :D

what do you think about my bold reply (in the quoted text)?

[tea drinker]

what do you think about my bold reply (in the quoted text)?
replies to your bold comments below

I would wear it... depending on how much you paid me! its just a bloody uniform after all. Many of the northern european countries have a cross in their flags, and many companies have one in their logos... so plenty of muslims would already be wearing them...
But they have about as much religous significance as the symbol for radiation. I think it would be insensitive if not morally incorrect for an employer (who did not have this policy before) to demand they wear a religous symbol of some kind. What are the staff going to do that have a problem with it? According to everyone here they can fvck off.

didn't see many burkhas in dubai mysself. though i was only there for a couple of years. Its certainly not my favoured choice of attire, but who am i to impose my choice on others...
You are allowed an opinion though? You will probably see more in some Western cities - no one is more muslim than those :-) My feeling on the Burka is it prevents any integration (the intent I suppose) but it also screws up the kids, a poorly equipped parent is hardly able to guide their kids to a successful career in a western society. It leads to ghetoes, discrimination and failures. It's actually a symbol of failure as much as that of a revoluton.

everyone's free, including you... disliking people for their choice of "bank" is your pejorative...
I agree with Max Keiser when he says Goldman Sachs should be in the Hague - where does that leave me? :)

I answered your other point separately.

[budgie]

What's all this Burqa talk? In three years in DXB I didn't see a single one. A lot of Arab women, particularly Khaleeji, wear Abayas and Hijab (scarf) and some choose to also cover their faces with either a veil (niqab) or the traditional gilded eye-mask. But the head-to-toe Burqa? Maybe some Afghan or Pakistani Pashtun immigrants in Sharjah, Karama or down near the Gold Souk in Deira have them but I honestly don't recall seeing any Burkas.

On that note there is some regional difference between the South Asian Burqa and the Arabian Abaya (sometimes Abbaya or Abayya and called Chador in Iran). Not only is this a difference in style, colour and coverage but also in who wears it and whether it is optional or enforced. In the UAE it is national dress and optional, though few local women would be caught dead in anything else.

[ggk]

they are arabs bank , using islamic banking in an arab country, they want their employee to wear abaya... its not like they are going to open a branch in washington. What is the problem?

[tea drinker]

they are arabs bank , using islamic banking in an arab country, they want their employee to wear abaya... its not like they are going to open a branch in washington. What is the problem?
Once again, if a competing Christian bank in washington sees this marketing masterstroke and decides that from tomorrow all staff must wear a huge cross - and if the staff don't like it they can fvck off? You have no problem with that y/n ?

[sheytanelkebir]

Yes Tea drinker, there's no problem at all!! "christian banking" is the brand... all the employees should be dressed according to the "brand" simple really!

[ggk]

Once again, if a competing Christian bank in washington sees this marketing masterstroke and decides that from tomorrow all staff must wear a huge cross - and if the staff don't like it they can fvck off? You have no problem with that y/n ?

'50 cent Banking'

all staff must wear huge bling bling cross.

on serious note:
if i dont like it i can always resign.

Theres a lot of bank in asia that requires its employee to wear traditional garment such as Cheong Sam or Saree.....for some reason you irk whenever an islam are doing something and you take pot shot at it...yet you fail to see that in asia this a normalcy (bank uniform in National Dress).....as i said this bank is in Arabic country...there is no reason to raise the issue of 'competing Christian bank in washington' and as far as i know Abaya is an arabic traditional dress.

[khukuri]

Once again, if a competing Christian bank in washington sees this marketing masterstroke and decides that from tomorrow all staff must wear a huge cross - and if the staff don't like it they can fvck off? You have no problem with that y/n ?


Yes no one has a problem with that, if someone looks for a job in a church or any other religious institution fvck yeah I would expect to follow their rules.




My argument is why don't Muslims expect the same attitude in western countries? If you don't like it get the next flight to Riyadh?


I dont see many christian banks here....


You dont like what they sell and who shops there? Please tell me why someone would be "backyard" by dealing with a different financial services and not the standard interest rules? Why are you so offended by this?

[tea drinker]

Not deeply offended, but at least in Europe employment law would see to it that staff couldn't be bullied or fired for a radical change of attire. So GGK if you were supporting your family and were TOLD that you had to wear something objectionable you would "just resign". No problem ... just walk out? Give the keys of the house to the bank and hit the road? I don't believe you.

Anyway, on a side issue, do you not see how employers could use that for contructive dismissals, cleaning up pension obligations etc?
But as you already stated that if the shoe was on the other foot you would have no problem so that's fine for me.


You dont like what they sell and who shops there? Please tell me why someone would be "backyard" by dealing with a different financial services and not the standard interest rules? Why are you so offended by this?
I think you mean backward, and read my previous posts again, I explained already

[ggk]

Not deeply offended, but at least in Europe employment law would see to it that staff couldn't be bullied or fired for a radical change of attire. So GGK if you were supporting your family and were TOLD that you had to wear something objectionable you would "just resign". No problem ... just walk out? Give the keys of the house to the bank and hit the road? I don't believe you.

Anyway, on a side issue, do you not see how employers could use that for contructive dismissals, cleaning up pension obligations etc?
But as you already stated that if the shoe was on the other foot you would have no problem so that's fine for me.

first of all since this bank is in arabic country and we can accurately guess all of its employee are either arabs or bangladeshi.....they will definately couldnt care less if their arab bosses smack a red memo on their forhead instructing them to wear gold plated bling bling abaya.

as i said before the possibility of this particular bank opening a branch in america are as slim as madona fake hair, therefor the argument and comparison of 'if another bank anywhere else in this world' doing the same as this bank is irrelevant.... plus if they, for all the thing in this world manage to open a bank in washington dc...i pretty much sure the manager wouldnt ask its employee to wear abaya.

[tea drinker]

first of all since this bank is in arabic country and we can accurately guess all of its employee are either arabs or bangladeshi.....they will definately couldnt care less if their arab bosses smack a red memo on their forhead instructing them to wear gold plated bling bling abaya.

as i said before the possibility of this particular bank opening a branch in america are as slim as madona fake hair, therefor the argument and comparison of 'if another bank anywhere else in this world' doing the same as this bank is irrelevant.... plus if they, for all the thing in this world manage to open a bank in washington dc...i pretty much sure the manager wouldnt ask its employee to wear abaya.
And yet still, given the impossibilty of this happening elsewhere you can't see this as backward?

[khalsa1699]

islamic country,
islamic bank,
islamic banking system according to sharia,
muslim staff,
islamic dress code

....whats the damn problem? ah...the non-muslim staff!

well they can resign and go or adopt as per the rules of the bank!

well a basketball muslim female player was told to take off her hijab if she wanted to play the game, as per the rules!

[dave81]

Once again, if a competing Christian bank in washington sees this marketing masterstroke and decides that from tomorrow all staff must wear a huge cross - and if the staff don't like it they can fvck off? Yes. It's the exact same issue. Staff don't like the new uniform, staff can go f ck themselves.

[budgie]

Guys there is no such thing as a Christian bank!

It's called usury. There are no proper religious covenants that govern the lending of money for interest among Christians because it's supposed to be forbidden - Haram if you like. The Muslims on the other hand have a religious code that circumvents the same restrictions in Islam.