Many taken-for-granted, daily practices, happenings or social institutions in the Western world are prohibited in countries like Saudi Arabia. Anything the authorities consider to be “haram” – going against Islamic Law – and therefore having the potential to lead local Muslims astray, is forbidden. The only Constitution is the Quaran, which tends to be conservatively interpreted for general rules and guidelines on how to live as a good follower of Islam. Hence, there aren’t actual, written laws prohibiting the following 10 practices and institutions in the country, but they are nevertheless enforced with enthusiasm by local authorities.

1. Socializing between women and men
2. Cats and dogs
3. Camera phones
4. Movie theatres
5. Single women roaming alone
6. Freedom of religion
7. Woman’s sports
8. Female drivers
9. Music lessons in public schools
10. Valentine’s day