As someone who has worked a lot around the middle east, I may be able to shed a little light on the rules of the Arab world. If you are invited, working and giving something to the country, then you are extended a more courteous and lenient hospitality set of rules. If you are there on a jolly you are simply classed as a second rate citizen of little importance. If you break their laws, regardless of what capacity you are there for, you can expect to receive some very severe punishments. Drinking laws have been lapsed a little for the Hotels etc, get caught drinking on the streets and you would find yourself in deep hot water. There used to be organised illegal drinking parties held by ex pats where even the Saudi people themselves used to attend. They received the same punishments if caught. Kissing in the streets is also another serious offence as well as been gay. It goes on but everyone keeps it well out of sight. The Arab world may look as though it is being westernised but the reality of that is a very watered down version. The consulate staff may intervene trying to help but the governments of the world need the Arab oil and will turn a blind eye towards your treatment. You don’t break the laws in the middle east like you do over here. Fridge men are like gods over there and we still have to behave well within the law.