Non-Muslim aren’t permitted inside Mecca or Medina, Islam’s two holiest cities. Tourists shouldn’t drink alcohol (even on the flight over), bring in pork or pork-flavored snacks, take photos of government buildings, or photograph locals without their permission. Homosexuality and transgenderism often lead to persecution and can be punishable by death.
Other “don’ts” include loud music, drugs, gambling, public displays of affection, and sitting in the family section of a restaurant if you’re unmarried. Visitors also are forbidden to cut in line, do the dab dance move, use drones without prior approval, and bring in frog meat. They’re also advised not to observe Valentine’s Day, which Saudi Arabia banned in 2008 because of its Christian origins. Restrictions on celebrating the holiday have eased lately, however, as part of the Kingdom’s modernization efforts.
Other recent reforms initiated by the crown prince include new movie theaters, mixed-gender concerts, sporting events, and allowing women to drive. Critics, pointing to crackdowns on women’s-rights advocates, say the Kingdom has a long way to go to achieve gender equality. “Words are important, but I’m interested in seeing actions,” says U.S. Senator Angus King, an Independent from Maine. “We’ll see whether they follow through.”
On a PBS documentary that aired on October 1, the first anniversary of Khashoggi’s murder, bin Salman took responsibility because the death “happened under my watch.” But Hatice Cengiz, Khashoggi’s fiancée, says, “He means he is not involved in this crime. His statement is a pure political maneuver.”
