Pop starlet Selena Gomez annoyed conservative Muslims in Abu Dhabi recently, as she flashed her ankles inside Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and was severely criticized for posting pictures of herself and them online. The pictures were posted on Instagram but, she quickly deleted the offensive images.

A second picture of Selena and fellow musicians Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Cody Simpson and Shay Mitchell has also garnered some flak, but she has not removed these - they still remain on her Instagram page.

The rules that govern visit to mosques are very clear on the dress codes and general behavior within the premises and all "intimate behavior" that include holding hands and kissing are banned and also, all skirts must be of ankle-length.

Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque had been in the center of controversies in the past and had resulted in problems for celebrities in the past. It may be recalled that in 2013 Bermudian singer Rihanna was asked to leave the mosque after posing for a series of pictures - the staff had objected saying that such actions were not in keeping with the "sanctity" of the holy site.

She was reported to be carrying out a photo-shoot and was dressed head-to-toe in a black jumpsuit. The staff summarily rejected her after complaining she did not have permission to carry out such activities.