ABU DHABI — The main public advisory body in the United Arab Emirates says it will push for stronger measures to discourage revealing clothes worn by tourists and others in the Gulf’s most socially liberal country.

The Federal National Council backed the proposal Tuesday after Abdulrahman Al-Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development, supported efforts to emphasize the conservative traditions of the UAE — which is now home to nearly all of the world’s nationalities in cosmopolitan centers such as Dubai. “I agree that it is important to show the importance of traditions and culture. In the UAE we are a conservative society, [we] hold on to our traditions,” he said.

Some council members have urged for airport fliers and other publicity campaigns to encourage less flesh-showing in public. The half-elected, half-appointed council has no law-making powers and any decision rests with the UAE government. Al-Owais said the main problem was not with tourists, but residents who ignore dress code regulations in public spaces. He said many do not know “much about the culture”.

In recent weeks, a social media drive by two Emirati women has appealed to foreigners to avoid “immodest” clothes in public. — Agencies