Kathmandu. Saudi Arabia’s government is tightening nightlife. Many music lounges are being closed in major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah. Nightly music and entertainment programs are limited.
Concerts in Saudi Arabia have gained a significant following in recent years. This has sparked outrage among far-right and conservative groups. The government is said to have taken action in response to the growing protests.
Saudi Arabia has closed at least two dozen music lounges in Riyadh and Jeddah in recent weeks, the Financial Times reported. Officials cited serious violations of public health and hygiene standards as the reason. The real reason, however, is the conservative reaction to these activities. This has raised questions about whether Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s advocacy of liberalism has bowed to conservatives.
Singer Falah al-Masredeh complained about the lounges near his apartment in eastern Riyadh in a viral Snapchat video last month. “When I went to the police, my voice was not heard. The police sent me to the concerned municipality. Women can be seen entering the lounge in front of the men’s house in the residential area. ’
Before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman came to power, shisha cafes were not allowed to open in populated areas. In recent years, he has opened the door to music festivals, sporting events and rave parties in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Boulevard was built. It has a complex of restaurants, music halls and other attractions.
Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry has set up a new unit to prevent “immoral acts” following the protests. The closure of many lounges appears to be an attempt to strike a balance between Saudi society’s demands for openness and the dictates of conservatives. Experts say that Prince Salman is trying to maintain balance in society. ’
