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huntjuliehunt · Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 87

Is it illegal to videotape in Riyadh? I have a tiny camcorder, about the size of an average picture camera.
What are the rules on this?

huntjuliehunt · Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 87

I just discovered a past thread about photography, so I understand that it is legal, but that I should be discreet.

What about filming a Saudi friend of mine in public?

I guess, at worst, I can film inside my friends' homes, but what about using my little video camera if I'm, for example, in the men's section at a cafe.

trapezius · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 8:51 pm Post subject:

A recent royal decree, made it legal to take pics in public in the country just a few months back. This was advertised as one of the steps for opening the country to tourism.

I don't know what the laws were regarding photography before that, but I used to take pics in public even well before the decree, albeit in Jeddah (most liberal city in SA), and discreetly.

Still the new rules clearly say that pics of military places can't be taken (maybe all gov buildings?), and when taking pics of other people (strangers), their permission should be sought. And of course, if there are women around, you have to be very careful.

However, your situation is different from mine in 3 crucial ways:

1) You are female yourself
2) You are going to be videotaping
3) You are in Riyadh

So someone with more relevant experience can perhaps chime in.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:04 pm Post subject:

Taking pics of Saudi women could get you deported, especially if you are male (the OP's gender is unclear).

However, taking pics of the tofu stand or the menu of your favourite vegetarian restaurant is perfectly legal, so long as you ask the tofu dealer's permission in advance. Perhaps this can be done when you are asking him the price per kilo of his choicest tofu.

huntjuliehunt · Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 87

That's texturized and seasoned soy protein to you, Cleopatricia. I don't lower myself to tofu.

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2007 7:43 am Post subject:

huntjuliehunt · Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 87

Personal attacks are not confined to threads that blatantly state them as the topic. There is an evildoer amongst us who loads them into every thread every chance the evildoer gets.

I recommend a little less evaluating the Quran and its followers and its modern adaptations through governmental policies, in this very small and limited world of ESL teaching in a Middle Eastern country, and a little more evaluating the heart, which will be stuck with the evildoer throughout the entirety of this life, and... if you believe as I do, possibly beyond.