Dubai-Based Influencer’s Modesty Message Goes Viral, Gets Sheikh Hamdan's Approval (image-instagram/jacquelynnmayy)
A recent Instagram post by Jacquelyn May, a Canadian influencer based in the UAE, went viral on social media after it caught the attention of Dubai’s Crown Prince and Vice President, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, widely known as Fazza. The content creator living in Dubai posted a video in which she appeared wearing traditional Emirati dress, urging visitors to dress appropriately while in public spaces.
Read also: Unified Gulf Tourist Visa Launch Expected By End Of 2025
The video had garnered one million views and was liked by the Crown Prince of Dubai and other dignitaries. Jacquelyn was prompted to create the video after seeing a woman wearing revealing clothing at Dubai Mall’s new “The District” area. Shocked by the attention the woman drew, she decided to respond to it by creating a video, sending a culturally sensitive message reminding visitors to respect the local customs.
“We live in Dubai and must respect its culture and customs,” Jacquelyn said in her video to note that she doesn’t intend to shame but only to promote awareness in a humorous and positive tone.
View this post on Instagram
As the Dubai Mall welcomed over 11 million visitors in 2024, the conversation had found resonance across diverse communities. Many social media users had come forward expressing gratitude that someone outside the local community had taken initiative on a subject often left unspoken.
May had also clarified that she wasn’t promoting strict rules or conservative dress across all settings. “I’m not telling people what to wear. You can wear a bikini to Kite Beach, it doesn’t matter. We have the best public beaches and beach clubs. But there’s a time and place for everything, and the mall is a space mostly frequented by families and children,” she said.
Read also: ‘Exploring Dubai Beyond Skylines’: Virat And Anushka’s Visit Dubai Ad Goes Viral
Since Dubai is a cosmopolitan city welcoming people from across the world, strict dress codes are not enforced in public or tourist spots. However, many people feel that since malls are family-oriented spaces, often visited by children, dressing modestly is encouraged.
