Dancers in open clothes at Jazan Festival, Saudi Arabia launches investigation

RIYADH – 2022 Jazan Winter Festival in Saudi Arabia shocked by the appearance of the female dancers dressed openly. The Jazan provincial government launched an investigation into the incident which sparked public outrage.

Images and videos circulating on social media show the female dancers appearing at the port city’s winter festival on January 7, 2022. They are dressed in minimally feathered and colorful outfits.

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Jazan, famous in Saudi Arabia for his conservatism, had never seen such a show.

“Is this our local culture? Is this our custom and tradition?” asked a Saudi Arabian Twitter user who was angry at the presence of the female dancers, as quoted Gulf News, Sunday (9/1/2022).

Another video shows young Saudi men performing the Dabke, a traditional Middle Eastern dance.

The 2022 Jazan Winter Festival is sponsored by the local governor, Prince Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, in collaboration with a number of Saudi officials.

“This festival represents a story of joy for the region…that meets the needs and aspirations of all segments of society”, said the governor’s opening statement, according to local media, Rice Field Press.

Jazan authorities said Prince Mohammed bin Nasser directed an immediate investigation into the dancers’ troupe participation in the 2022 Jazan Winter Festival event.

“[Gubernur] ordered the necessary steps to be taken to prevent violations,” the Jazan authorities said in a statement on Twitter.

The spokesman for the local area, Adel Al Zaray, said the governor had followed the relevant reports and ordered the necessary steps to stop events that went against the traditions of the people.

This two-week festival aims to showcase the heritage of the area.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has hosted several entertainment events and festivals as part of the dramatic changes in the kingdom.

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