This new move came after Iran’s tourism agency decided to ban packaged holidays to Dubai because Iranian singers were scheduled to hold concerts there this month, a month that recognizes Shiite holidays such as the death anniversary of the Prophet Mohammad, which was last Friday.
“It is forbidden to organize tours to countries where concerts are held on mourning days and [those marking] the passing of imams when the Islamic moral code is disrespected in those concerts,” Deputy Tourism Director Reza Musavi said, reported Agence France Presse (AFP).
Musavi said travel agencies that organized tours to Dubai between February 13 and 15 would be penalized, Tehran Emruz reported.
A travel agent said he received notice of the ban only a few days before the holiday and had canceled several tours based on that directive, reported AFP.
Individuals who seek to travel without the aid of tourist agencies will not be hindered or penalized, Musavi said.
Dubai is often the location of choice for U.S.-based Iranian pop singers who draw fans from the Islamic Republic.