Dubai: With the announcemnt of new Saudi tourist visas that will be available to citizens from 49 countries, the country has also given the go-ahead to implement new regulations related to female dress code.
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The dress code for women tourists was dropped and now women are no longer expected to wear an abaya and headscarf. The country also passed 19 new rules related to Saudi Arabia public decency.
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So, if you are planning to visit Saudi Arabia any time soon here is what you need to know:
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Men and women are required to dress modestly, refrain from public displays of affection, and avoid using profane language or gestures.
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Women are required to dress modestly, meaning cover your shoulders and knees. No sleevless shirts or short dresses, a modest choice of clothing is what you should opt for.
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On the “inappropriate” attires to wear in public list are: underpants, night garments or clothes that outrage public morality, carry racial emblems or promote depravity.
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The sale, purchase and consumption of alcohol is still illegal under the new law, as is bringing alcohol or drugs into the country.
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The public code also prohibits you from taking photos of others or traffic accidents without permission, disposing of garbage at non-designated sites, and the use of seats and utilities allocated for the elderly and people with special needs.
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If you play loud music during prayer timings, you will be fined.
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Also a heavy fine is imposed if you fail to remove the excrement of your pets from public places.
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The offences are punishable by a fine ranging from 50 to 3,000 Saudi riyals, depending on the type of infringement.
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The lowest fine, which is SR50, is given to people not respecting queues and jumping lines.
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According to the rules, officially called the ‘Public Decorum Code’, police are the only authority in the kingdom to detect the listed violations and levy the fines. Offenders will also have to pay the cost of repairing the damage resulting from their infringements, according to the ministry.
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