The opening ceremony of Riyadh Season 2024 received a deluge of criticism when models performed on stage in front of a cube, a Kaaba-like structure.
Footage circulating online of a Kaaba-like structure with dancers circulating has caused a stir among social media users. Social media users from other Arab countries and other Muslim countries expressed outrage over the alleged disrespect of Islam’s holiest site.
Observers compared the scenes to Muslim rituals performed at the Kaaba — the stone building at the center of Mecca’s Grand Mosque that worshippers circumambulate around.
The footage also drew condemnation from an official in Yemen’s Sanaa-based Houthi movement, who took a shot at the kingdom’s rulers.
Meanwhile, Saudi authorities denied the accusation of a Kaaba-like structure in the opening ceremony of Riyadh Season.
https://x.com/No_Rumors/status/1858113020485931285
In a statement, the authority added that “it is interesting that there are many cube structures which are well-known around the world, such as the wonderful Apple store in New York and the Berlin Cube in Germany, but it does not cross anyone’s mind that it looks like the Kaaba, as people are saying today about the Kingdom,” The New Arab media outlet quoted the Saudi authority as saying.