Photography Ban Lifted in Saudi Arabia

By: Lori Olson White
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:22
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

The decades-long ban on photographing and filming in public places was lifted recently in Saudi Arabia.

Specifically the new ruling allows photographing and filming for all citizens and residents in public places. No such ban has ever been in place for photographing or filming in private settings.

Although the stated intent of the new ruling references the desert Kingdom's on-going push to increase secular tourism, the wording does not directly include non-residents or tourists, and the implementation of the ruling is still to be tested.

Even with these newest freedoms on photographing and filming in the Kingdom, however, taking pictures continues to be a tricky proposition in Saudi Arabia. Many places remain off-limits to those with cameras or filming gear, including military installations, security personnel, government buildings and petroleum facilities - even when those places are in the deep background of shots.

And photographing people - especially local women - is still not allowed without direct permission, even in public settings. The traditional culture and beliefs of many Saudi Arabians include a deep commitment to privacy and modesty. In addition, some religious scholars contend depicting human images is forbidden in Islam which adds further weight to the prohibition.

Saudi Arabia offers photographers and film-makers an amazing variety of subjects - from towering sand dunes deep in the Rub Al-Khali to ancient archeological sites and the endless blue of the Arabian Gulf. And thanks to new ruling, the number of possible subjects just continues to grow.

Lori Olson White is an American expat writer and author living and working in Saudi Arabia. Her blog sandgetsinmyeyes.blogspot.com/ offers insights into life in the Middle East while her ezine arabiangulftraveler.blogspot.com/ gives travel tips and advice to tourists traveling to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Travel Tips category

  • Travel Tips For First Time Travellers To Benidorm - By: Larry Austin
    Located on the Mediterranean, boasting a history and heritage which is envied by many other tourist spots Benidorm truly does promise a chance to enjoy a memorable vacation. First time travellers to this unique locale would appreciate the many places that they can visit along with the myriad of things they can involve themselves in for their leisure and recreation.
  • Personal Safety at Home and Afar - By: Isla Campbell
    Holidays are a time to relax, unwind and enjoy yourself. The carefree feeling that holidays bring should extend to all aspects of your trip away, with the exception of personal safety where a little diligence goes a long way.
  • Thinking Of Travelling By Sea? Read Some Cruise Tips - By: Nick N
    Whether you are going for an anniversary, a get-away, or a family vacation, a cruise line is a great destination.
  • Don't overlook your health when travelling - By: Paul McIndoe
    Travelling, wherever it may be provides fun and exciting times for all; however, it is important to consider your health and be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances before setting off anywhere, to ensure you have the best experience possible.
  • Travel the stress-free way by ensuring everything is in order - By: Paul McIndoe
    Going on holiday is always something to look forward to. And, with the right planning and preparation, you can ensure everything goes to plan, leaving you the time to relax.
  • On the Waterfront in London - By: Isla Campbell
    Escape the streets and take to the watersides of London to discover a whole world of options to suit your mood. Whether you're feeling active or simply want to relax, you're sure to find an activity to match.
  • A Smart Frugal Business Traveler Uses Online Deals - By: David Stack
    Like many businessmen clutching leather travel cases on one hand and a plane ticket on another, I am a mobile worker - always on the move, without an office or a swivel chair to call his own. To be more precise, I am a financial management consultant who lives his life in hotels.
  • Top Table Paris Restaurant The Tour d'Argent - By: Martyn Davis
    With many different types of restaurants in Paris choosing the right one could become hard work, but if you are looking for some top table French cuisine you need to try The Tour d'Argent, which has become famous throughout the world.
  • Balearic Islands Menorca Holiday - By: Rajinder Kumar
    Tourists and visitors are often found taking a walk on the harbor with boats, ships and ferries passing in and out. Tourist and visitors can also taste a sample of this pleasing gin and buy it from the on site store or shop. Island is a best way to unwind and relax during a holiday.
  • Cheap Travel - Do You Use a Travel Agent or the Web? - By: Brad Alexander
    For any of your travel needs, you may face the problem of knowing whether to use a travel agent for your cruise or if you should book the trip yourself online. This is something that you will ultimately need to decide on yourself, but if you would like to compare your options, read on. There are many advantages to both sides of this coin. In all actuality, it depends on what is more important to you. What is true is that the cruises that are offered by your agent are the same cruises that are available through the online services on the web.