Syria Requires Burkinis on Public Beaches Under New Government
Syria’s new Islamist-led government announced Tuesday that women will now be required to wear burkinis or full-body swimsuits at all public beaches and pools—a dramatic shift in social policy since the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime late last year.
The new rules, issued by the Tourism Ministry and signed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, dictate that women must dress in “modest swimwear” and wear loose-fitting cover-ups when not in the water. Men, too, must keep shirts on outside of swimming areas. Western-style swimsuits are restricted to private beaches and high-end resorts rated four stars or above.
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Al-Sharaa, a former commander in Hayat Tahrir al-Sham—a group previously known for its jihadist roots—is now steering Syria’s transitional government. The dress code is part of a broader push to impose Islamist-inspired governance and public norms.
The Tourism Ministry claimed the policy reflects Syria’s “cultural and religious diversity” and will be monitored by lifeguards and beach supervisors, although it stopped short of detailing enforcement measures or consequences for noncompliance.
The directive comes as Syria looks to reposition itself economically and diplomatically. The country has been eager to court Gulf investors and revive its struggling tourism sector, especially after US sanctions were lifted in May. US President Donald Trump, who supported restoring diplomatic ties with Damascus, called the development “a chance at greatness.”
The move has already stirred debate inside and outside the region over the direction Syria is heading under its post-Assad leadership.
