Has the “Fabricated Kaaba” Incident Eased Criticism of Riyadh Season Amid the Gaza War?

The Saudi General Entertainment Authority continues to face escalating criticism over controversial scenes from Riyadh Season. Amid the uproar surrounding the alleged “Kaaba replica,” which proved to be false, Saudi defenders of the authority’s events dismissed other criticisms about holding celebrations and festivals during the brutal aggression on Gaza.

The viral video in question, portraying what appeared to be a “Kaaba-like structure,” was revealed to be from last year, and the clip was selectively cropped from a longer video showing a different context. Organizers of a boxing match held in Riyadh last year had installed four screens displaying flames descending from above, which some interpreted as resembling the “Kaaba.”

The Bigger Issue

Activists argued that while the “Kaaba” incident was fabricated, it does not justify the broader controversies surrounding the Saudi Entertainment Authority, led by Royal Court Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh.

Social media users shared footage of raucous parties held in Riyadh, some featuring performers and models dressed in revealing attire, akin to American singer Jennifer Lopez.

Critics contend that such events are part of a forced transformation of Saudi Arabia’s conservative identity, where scenes of revelry and indecency are imposed, while religious activities are severely restricted. Prominent Islamic scholars and preachers face repression, with many being imprisoned—a matter many consider the central issue at hand.

“Blood is Flowing”

Activists highlighted the disconnect between the current Riyadh Season festivities and the ongoing genocide carried out by the Israeli occupation in Gaza.

With the death toll in Gaza surpassing 44,000 martyrs and over 100,000 injured, thousands of social media users expressed outrage over the entertainment authority’s activities.

Academic and thinker Muhanna Al-Hubail remarked, “The value of a single player’s transfer deal in the Arab sports market could rescue Gaza from its food crisis. Another deal could address its medicine crisis. Yet, Gaza is left to bleed between Tehran and Tel Aviv, while we drown in the arenas of the West’s oppressive aggressors.”

Domestic Discontent

The Saudi Entertainment Authority’s extravagant celebrations during Riyadh Season have also sparked internal discontent, particularly given widespread unemployment and low wages across the Kingdom.

Notably, many responses to Turki Al-Sheikh’s tweets promoting entertainment events were requests for employment or financial aid to settle debts.

Saudi citizens also circulated images of soldiers recently killed in Yemen, pointing out that the General Entertainment Authority disregards the fact that Saudi soldiers remain engaged in active conflict in the country’s southern regions.