Saudi Arabia: Controversy Erupts Over Women Circling a Replica of the Ka’aba During Riyadh Season

Saudi Arabia’s annual Riyadh Season has sparked widespread outrage after a controversial event featuring a structure considered by Social Media users to be resembling the Holy Ka’aba was showcased during a women’s fashion show. The incident has drawn criticism from Muslims worldwide for what many view as a flagrant disrespect to Islamic traditions and values.

The contentious display involved female models presenting provocative outfits while circling a cube-shaped structure that bore a striking resemblance to the Ka’aba, the sacred center of Muslim worship in Makkah. The event, organized under the auspices of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), headed by Turki Al-Sheikh, was described by critics as a profound moral affront and a deliberate provocation against the Islamic faith.

Many observers likened the spectacle to a “naked circumambulation around the Ka’aba,” a phrase that gained traction on social media as Muslims expressed their shock and indignation.

Mockery of Islamic Leaders and Rituals

The event went beyond provocative clothing, with segments that appeared to ridicule historic Islamic leaders. The show featured dancing and singing performances staged around the replica of the Ka’aba, a display widely seen as mocking the sacred rituals of Tawaf (circumambulation) performed by pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah in Makkah.

Such actions have fueled accusations that the event was not only culturally insensitive but also a blatant insult to the Muslim community. Critics labeled it as an alarming example of the erosion of Islamic identity under the guise of “cultural openness.”

Public Backlash

The outrage extended beyond Saudi borders. Many Saudis condemned the growing trend of what they perceived as moral decay and detachment from Islamic and Arab values. Social media platforms were flooded with calls for accountability, with hashtags such as #StopRiyadhSeason and #CulturalErosion trending across Twitter (now X).

Prominent Saudi activist Turki Al-Shalhoub voiced his disapproval to his 1.5 million followers, stating:

“This is not the Ka’aba that Muslims circle in devotion to Allah. It’s a replica built by Bin Salman, surrounded by naked sinners in defiance of our faith.”

This sentiment resonated deeply within the Muslim world, where many demanded a review of Saudi Arabia’s policies, particularly regarding its oversight of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.

Insensitive Timing Amid Global Crises

The controversy was further inflamed by the timing of the event. It coincided with a period of intense suffering in Gaza and Lebanon, where ongoing violence has claimed countless lives. Critics denounced the Saudi authorities for celebrating Riyadh Season festivities during such a somber time for the Muslim Ummah.

The hashtag #GazaBleedsWhileRiyadhCelebrates resurfaced, reflecting widespread frustration over the perceived disconnect between Saudi Arabia’s leadership and the solidarity historically shown by its people toward Palestine.

Many questioned why events like the Riyadh Season were not postponed out of respect for those affected by the devastation in Gaza. Activists also pointed out that other nations, such as Egypt, had canceled or rescheduled major festivals in acknowledgment of the ongoing tragedies.

The General Entertainment Authority Responds

In response to the uproar, the Saudi General Entertainment Authority denied allegations of a Ka’aba replica being used during the event. However, video clips circulating online seemed to contradict these claims, fueling further skepticism and distrust among critics.

Turki Al-Sheikh, in an attempt to justify the continuation of Riyadh Season, argued that cultural events did not halt during past conflicts, including the wars in Lebanon and other Arab nations. However, he later deleted these statements following a massive backlash.