Saudis End Photo Ban

Demonstrating progress toward a more liberal and tourist-friendly society, Saudi Arabia has lifted a ban on photography in public places.

From Aljazeera.net:

"People can now take pictures of tourist sites, architectural landmarks, shopping malls as well as government buildings where there is no sign banning photography," a ministry official told said on Thursday.

However, permission is still needed to photograph private property or individuals.

"Royal palaces, for instance, are private property so taking a picture of them requires authorisation," he said.

Frankly, I think that lifting the ban is fairly insignificant but, apparently, the Saudi conservatives think it's a big deal and changes are happening too quickly. In fact, Islamists pressured King Abdullah to tell the media not to publish photographs of Saudi women because it's considered immoral.

In any event, it's progress. Maybe next they'll decide to let women drive cars.