Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reminded those who will join RTA’s photo competition to “adhere to prescribed terms and conditions, especially with regards to passengers privacy on board public transport means.”
RTA launched on Tuesday a photography competition, in collaboration with Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) that will kick off on June 27 and will run for three weeks. It is open to all photographers — professionals and hobbyists; residents or visitors of the UAE — with a total prize money of Dh45,000.
On Friday, following an inquiry by a Gulf News reader who was “questioned by Dubai Police for taking photos inside the Metro, RTA said: “For the HIPA competition, please note that it will start on Sunday (27 June) as per the announcement, therefore interested participants can start taking photographs from then on.”
“Additionally, the competition’s terms and conditions will be posted on HIPA website (http://www.hipa.ae) on the 27th, and participants should adhere to prescribed terms and conditions, especially in regards to passengers privacy on board public transport means.”
Promote public transport
The competition aims to promote the use of public transportation and the sceneries in Dubai. Participants are requested to submit minimum of three photos, including at least one photo for each theme of the competition: ‘Art and Architecture’ (aimed at capturing the beauty of landmarks, infrastructure, sites, street art and facilities across Dubai); ‘Public Transport’ (covering Dubai Metro, tram, ferry, Abra, taxis and buses); and ‘Emirati Culture and Lifestyle’ (places, events, local culture, Emirati spirit and national flavour).
Illegal to take photos
A reader who sent an email to Gulf News on Wednesday said he was at the Union Metro Station and one police officer called his attention for taking photos inside the Metro.
“He (police officer) saw me taking a photo of the Metro and he called my attention and brought me in for questioning. I was questioned about my intentions, and I said I will use the photos and video for the competition,” wrote Christopher, the GN reader.
“I was told (by the police) that it is illegal to take photos and videos of the metro and all public transports of Dubai,” added the Dubai resident who did not elaborate the type of photos he took.
Respect for privacy
Dubai Police have continuously advised people “to refrain from filming or taking pictures of others without their permission” as such action is punishable by UAE’s laws and regulations, specifically the Federal Decree Law No. 5 of 2012 on Combating Cybercrimes.
The law prohibits the invasion of an individual’s privacy by breaching their privacy. Photographing others or creating, transferring, disclosing, copying or saving electronic photos through the use of technology for the invasion of privacy of another person shall be punished by imprisonment of a period of at least six months and a fine not less than Dh150,000 and not in excess of Dh500,000 or either of these two penalties.
More guidelines to follow
Meanwhile, the RTA noted there are rules governing taking of photos in public places to protect the privacy of individuals. More details and guidelines about the photo competition will be released soon, the RTA told Gulf News. Participants are requested to register through HIPA’s official website — http://www.hipa.ae.
