Privacy at women's events: phones, photos and the law in Saudi Arabia

In short

Women's gatherings are a private space, and one photo that spreads can upset a whole family. Saudi press has written for years about phone cameras at women's parties causing complaints and arguments. This guide is not meant to alarm you; it shows what you can ask for and agree before the event.

What Okaz reported

In January 2026 Okaz explained that filming guests who refuse, or publishing other people's photos without their consent, can breach the Anti-Cyber Crime Law. The penalties it listed:

We give them as the newspaper reported them. How a case is decided rests with the authorities.

What a host can ask for

• Phone policy: agree in advance whether phones are allowed, filming is off, or camera lenses are covered with a sticker
• No posting: ask the photographer and stylist not to post photos or video from your event on Instagram, Snapchat or TikTok, or only without faces
• Delivery: files go to you alone
• Deletion: when does the photographer delete her copy after delivery?
• Team: is the whole team female?

Put everything in a message or agreement. Elsewhere in the region, "no filming" and all-female crews are now sold as a service, so asking is not unusual.

Close to the day

• Tell guests the phone policy kindly on the invitation, for example "kindly no photography".
• Have someone in charge at the hall or home who can handle it without embarrassing anyone.
• Agree with the photographer which moments are not filmed.

What about photographers' licences?

The media regulator (GAMR) issues a Photography Activity Licence for studios: SAR 1,000, valid for 3 years, requiring a CR with the media activity. Photographers who work alone can, for example, look at the Freelance Document, which lists photographers and filmmakers; whether you also need a media licence, check with GAMR. Check the official site: gamr.gov.sa. A licence does not replace a privacy agreement.

Next step

1. Write your phone and posting rules in a message to the photographer and stylist.
2. Ask her to confirm before you pay the deposit.
3. Share the phone policy with guests politely.

Laqeeni is free and commission-free. Photographers and stylists on Laqeeni will be able to state their privacy policy on their profiles.