RIYADH — The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTA) has published on its separate website, which is dedicated to apply for tourist visas, 19 violations of public decorum, stating that the tickets for violations will be issued by the police. Fines for the offenses range between SR50 and SR3,000 and the penalty will be doubled in the event of repeat violation. Minister of Interior Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Saud Bin Naif approved on Friday the rules, which identify 19 offenses as punishable. This coincides with the opening up of the Kingdom for tourists from 49 countries from all around the world. The violations are those listed in the executive regulations of the Law to Preserve Public Decorum and Combat its Abuse that came into force last May. There are 10 articles in the bylaw, which emphasizes good manners and ethics reflecting the values of society and stresses the need to avoid bad behavior in public. These provisions will be applicable to all those who frequent public places where everyone needs to respect the values, customs, traditions and culture prevailing in the Kingdom. The violations include appearing in a public place in an improper dress or wearing a costume or dress that bears pictures, forms, signs or expressions that offend public decorum. Women are required to cover shoulders and knees in public, but they are free to choose modest clothing. The violations also include writing or drawing anything that is illegal on walls of public places or means of transport without getting permission from the concerned authorities. It is also not permissible to use any word or engage in any act that tend to harm those who visit public places, or intimidate or endanger them. Abusive behavior involving sexual acts, raising the sound of music in residential neighborhoods, playing loud music during call for prayer (adhan) or at prayer time, dumping waste in places other than those designated for them as well as lighting fires in public places, and taking photos of individuals or criminal incidents or accidents without getting permission are also punishable. The new rules also forbid hate, racism, discrimination and indecent behavior. The bylaw has defined the public decorum as a set of behaviors and ethics that reflect the values of the society and its principles and identity in accordance with the fundamental principles mentioned in the Kingdom's Basic Law of Governance. It also defines public places as those sites that are accessible for the public free of charge or in exchange for payment such as markets, commercial complexes, hotels, restaurants, cafes, museums, theaters, cinemas, stadiums, theaters, medical and educational facilities, exhibitions, parks, gardens, clubs, roads, walkaways, beaches, and various means of transport.
