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Asma, one of the female tourists, told AFP that spending a day on a Saudi Arabian beach with his girlfriend was unthinkable. Because the country is known to be very conservative.
Also read: The Story of a Woman Tourist on the Coast of Saudi Arabia: Now Free to Wear Bikini and Hug Couples
Now, the 32-year-old woman is dancing with her partner on the white sand on the shores of the Red Sea, accompanied by music from loudspeakers.
It is a small reminder of the ongoing changes in the Islamic empire, which seeks to ease some of the strict social strictures in its modernization drive at the same time as cracking down on dissent.
Music was banned in public places until 2017, a measure imposed by the religious police, and women were only allowed to drive a year later. Beach visitors are usually still separated between men and women.
But for 300 Saudi Arabian riyals (USD80) each, Asma and her boyfriend can enter Pure Beach near Jeddah, with music, dancing and an inflatable water park that spells the words “Saudi Arabia” in English when viewed from above.
“I’m happy that I can now come to a nearby beach to enjoy my time,” he told AFP, wearing a blue dress over her swimsuit.
“This is the epitome of fun… it’s our dream to come here and spend a wonderful weekend,” added the female tourist, who by AFP no mention of nationality.
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