Manama: Saudi Arabia is to ban photography exhibitions that do not have the permission of the relevant authorities, a senior official has confirmed.
Saud Al Shikhi, the general director of the culture and information ministry offices in the western city of Makkah, said that the requirement reports circulated on social networks were true, local daily Okaz has said.
Sources said that the decision was made following violations of the regulations governing the holding of photography exhibitions in the kingdom, but did not elaborate.
“Normally, the formal permission is required whenever there is a request to hold an arts or photography exhibition,” Al Shikhi said. “It is not something new for us. One of the most important objectives of the ministry is to maintain the cultural heritage, wealth and achievements of the kingdom through the contributions of artists. We have our moral and educational roles and the first imperative for an artist or an organiser is to submit a request to the ministry for holding the exhibition. A committee assesses the work to be presented to the public technically, culturally and morally.”
The committee is made up of art critics and senior and experienced artists, he said.
“That way, we ensure that the exhibition is within the religious, social and cultural values of our society,” Al Shikhi said.
The formal requirement extends to the exhibitions to be held on the sidelines of tourism festivals scheduled for the school mid-year break this month, a member of the national tourism committee said.
Saudi authorities, keen on introducing further reforms, have often had to deal with the staunch resistance of ultra-conservative forces in the country.
