Saudi Arabia Closes Dozens of Entertainment Venues After Pressure from Conservatives

The British newspaper "Financial Times" reported on Friday that Saudi authorities closed dozens of music halls and lounges in major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, following a widespread backlash on social media led by conservative activists.

According to the report, official sources justified this step by citing "health and regulatory violations" in those places, but the newspaper considered that the decision reflects increasing pressure from the conservative movement, at a time when the kingdom is trying to balance the path of social openness that began in recent years with sensitivity to conservative reactions.

The newspaper noted that these venues offered live music concerts and welcomed both men and women together, in addition to providing shisha at lower prices compared to major concerts, making them a widely popular youth destination.