Syrian authorities have issued new Islamic regulations tightening the dress code at public beaches and swimming pools, urging female swimmers to wear "more modest" attire on June 11.

Women are specifically requested to wear the burkini or swimwear that offers fuller coverage, and not to show their skin. The ruling is what many people had feared since the fall of the secular Baathist regime of Bashar al-Assad in December, which promoted western clothing styles much to the distaste of the Wahabi doctrine now in control of the country.

The decision, which the Turkish-backed Damascus government says is based on “public interest,” requires women to wear a burkini or “swimwear that covers the body more extensively,” and to wear loose-fitting garments when moving outside designated swimming areas.

Men are also prohibited from appearing shirtless outside swimming zones such as hotel lobbies or restaurants, emulating other countries in the region, including Iran, which has strict rules on public swimming.

Syria's reformed Ministry of Tourism published the decision across its official platforms, calling on tourists and visitors to wear “appropriate swimwear that respects public decency and the sensibilities of all segments of society,” while stressing the importance of “respecting Syria’s cultural and religious diversity.”

The initial sections of the directive focus on general safety guidelines, but later paragraphs specify acceptable swimwear in public coastal and recreational facilities.

The rules also mandate that clothing should be loose-fitting and cover shoulders and knees, explicitly banning transparent or excessively tight garments.

Exceptions are made for internationally rated resorts (four stars and above) and private clubs, where Western-style swimwear is permitted “within the bounds of civil behaviour and public decorum.” These eased rules, however, do not apply to private resorts below the four-star threshold.

The decision also requires tourism facility owners and operators to display the new regulations at beaches and pool areas and ensure compliance, including designated swimming hours.

The ministry has not clarified how the new rules will be enforced or what penalties might be imposed for violations.