Riyadh Season Festival Draws Criticism for Controversial Events
A video, taken at one of the opening events of Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Season festival, shows a cube-shaped structure displaying bright lights and visuals, with dancers performing around it.
Critics argue that these events threaten Saudi Arabia’s Islamic and cultural identity and clash with the country's religious values.
"Saudi Disgraced Islam with this. This is the opening of Riyadh's entertainment season in Saudi Arabia this year. They had a model of the Holy Kaaba where they displayed images of singers and dancers," one social media user wrote, according to The New Arab.
"Are there still [religious] scholars in Saudi Arabia? Are there still Muslims?" wrote another.
Among the controversial aspects are concerts and performances described as unconventional or vulgar, which many believe are at odds with Saudi Arabia’s Islamic principles.
Some religious scholars and social media users have condemned what they view as efforts to erode Islamic traditions and promote cultural disconnection.
Observers have also raised concerns about the use of Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest sites, as a venue for what they consider overly extravagant and frivolous events. This, they argue, undermines the sacred status of the land.
Some critics have further questioned the prioritization of entertainment amid ongoing regional crises, such as the Israeli war on Gaza and Lebanon.
They have called for a greater focus on religious and cultural activities that align with Islamic values, highlighting the need to address pressing issues facing the Muslim world.
Source: Agencies
