Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Saudi Arabia What used to be called conservative now seems to be starting to become secularized. A number of secular policies were implemented, ranging from the permitting of the samba dance to the abolition of the role of the sharia police.
Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman led Saudi Arabia, there have been a number of new breakthroughs leading to modernization to secularization.
The following is a series of secular policies in Saudi Arabia, compiled from various sources.
1. Samba Dance Title
Last week, the samba dance appeared at the Jazan Winter Festival in Saudi Arabia. In the era of MBS, the Kingdom did allow concerts, festivals and cinema openings.
In a video circulating on social media, three foreign samba dancers can be seen showing their movements on the main street of Jazan. The female dancer wore a colorful traditional Brazilian costume with exposed arms, legs and stomach.
The event sparked a polemic because a number of residents considered the samba dancer to be too scantily dressed. The Saudis then conducted an investigation.
2. Saudi Repeals the Role of Sharia Police
Saudi authorities stripped the Sharia police of all prerogatives, so now they have no clear role.
Before being revoked, the sharia police were tasked with enforcing the rule of law in accordance with Islamic teachings. They also regularly monitor social behavior including restrictions on men and women. The restrictions are now said to be beginning to be relaxed, especially women’s rights.
A number of former Saudi Arabian sharia police have complained about the kingdom’s new rules.
One of the former police officers, Faisal, feels that Saudi Arabia is now contrary to the culture and values it used to be.
“Whatever I had to forbid is now allowed, so I quit,” Faisal was quoted as saying by AFP last week.
3. Open Christmas Celebration
A number of foreigners living in Saudi Arabia say Christmas celebrations are getting more lively in the country under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Last Christmas December, cafes and restaurants turned into a land of winter, snowmen studded with diamonds, decorations and ornaments for sale. Expats in the Kingdom also celebrate Christmas together.
According to the confession of one of the foreigners in Saudi Arabia, in previous years Christmas celebrations were quiet, strict and closed.
Check out other secular policies in Saudi Arabia on the following page.
8 Secular Policies in Saudi Arabia
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