The Kuwait Times, Gizmodo and Engadget have reported that the government of Kuwait has outlawed DSLR cameras.
“The Ministries of Information, Social Affairs and Finance (hello, 1984!) have collectively decided to ban the use of the chunky shooters in public places, except where it can be shown that it’s for journalistic purposes.” – Engadget.
—UPDATE—-
The Kuwait Times Newspaper has rescinded this story. Go figure.
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This ban reportedly affects tourists too, so if you’re headed to Kuwait for some relaxing time over the holidays, come prepared. I understand that compacts and camera phones have not been banned, so you can still get the shot…-ish.
I’ve read all I can on the topic this morning, but for the life of me I’m having trouble understanding. Why they hatin’ on the interchangable lenses? What about micro 4/3? Can anybody out there shed some light on this bizarre state of affairs for me?
Hey chase i am from kuwait. the guys over there are bit crazy about taking photos i remember myself taking a photo of the bridge which connect Kuwait to an island called Bubyan. i have to take two security heads with me to do some shots down there and believe me that bridge is absolute amazing. i guess there is loads of other issues to be resolve than photography. its a shame.
SLR or DSLR are big and intimidating.to some it violates cultural and social values, and it may violates security measures. speaking of personal experience as an Egyptian citizen- feel free to relate egypt to kuwait on the basis of region, religion or culture..!
if you’re not a tourist and shooting outdoors , you’re attracting attention. trying to make a photo of a palace from the kingdom era in Alexandria, an officer in the guard post gave me permission to do shoot whatever i want. when the location was a 5 star hotel ,a guard said photos are prohibited.!! entering a shopping mall with a dslr, security personnel warned me about possible problems!!! meaning i might be shooting interiors and a girl step in the frame. either her man or father will beat the hell out of me. thinking i’m taking pictures of her for indecent purposes!!
believe it or not a group of photography students with a tutor were arrested in the streets of Cairo , brought to the police station and were forced to sign a paper they weren’t even allowed to read it’s content!!
so basically if you’re not a tourist,journalist, look like a student.. you’re considered a terrorist,spy or perv .
with all that being said , you can still use a DSLR in Egypt and shoot outdoors.
I’m from Kuwait as well. It is just a rumor. I’ve searched for any official source of this ban and couldn’t find any. The ban that those ministries put in action is ONLY for photographing their own buildings. I went to the beach (Shuwaikh Beach) few days ago and took some photos in front of the police station there and no one asked me to stop.
Hi chase,
i’m from Kuwait. untill this moment its not clear wheather a rumor or not! this news in bieng spread in facebook + twitter & blogs. nothing official from the national news papper & TV.
there is astory says a guy went to Kuwait times news papper and and told them about an old law that is not implemented!…..and made a international propaganda from it!
we are waiting for the goverment toclear it out:(
Hi, I’m a Kuwaiti photographer, today many reports have confirmed that the cam-ban is just a rumor. It’s not true,
I hope that you update the post.
Many thanks
Athoob