Street photography in Dubai

[cambolt]

There seems to be a lot of contradiction on this topic, so I was wondering if there is anyone who has experience living in the UAE who could possibly speak up on this for me.

I am thinking of moving to Dubai next year, and am wondering if they are really as strict about photography without permission as everyone seems to say. I am not talking Bruce Gilden in your face kind of thing, but am I as likely to get in trouble for general, medium range shots as people say?

This sort of thing


The Lion's Back by d40monster, on Flickr

Raincoat man by d40monster, on Flickr

 

[raid]

Women or men walking with women may not be pleased when seeong someone taking a photo of them. There is also the fear from photography with a political motive.

 

[xxloverxx]

Depends on who "they" are. Clueless about what it's like in Dubai but I'd be surprised if you could get arrested for making a photo of just Someone on the street. You might displease some people but that's a possibility wherever you are.

 

[Austerby]

I spend a fair amount of time in Dubai and elsewhere in the GCC and have photographed street life and activity quite easily.

Basically, common sense applies. There's lots of expats there from all over the world, so normal rules apply there. Be sensitive around the traditional locals, particularly when photographing women, but you'd have to be overtly intrusive to cause a complaint and then perhaps only getting into any real trouble if you are a multiple offender. Looking at your examples I'm assuming that you're not after prurient shots so even if they review your photos then you'll have nothing to be worried about - ie "Someone on the street" as the above poster with the dodgy username puts it.

As with street photography anywhere, part of the trick is for the subject not to be aware they're having their photo taken, so be discreet as you would anywhere and you'll be fine.

 

[cambolt]

Thanks guys, I suppose we'll see how things pan out