But not everyone sees it that way. I can also picture a merchant from Al-Balad, maybe in his early 30s, shaking his head and calling the festival “rowdy,” a betrayal of the Islamic traditions that have shaped Saudi society for centuries. Sheikh Al-Sudais, known for his conservative views—like once blaming women’s behavior for a drought in 2006—stands as a symbol of that tradition. His silence on these cultural shifts feels deafening to some, who question how raves and concerts can coexist with the kingdom’s religious identity. I’ve heard voices invoking the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, arguing that even sharing images of such events is a form of corruption. It’s a perspective that carries weight, rooted in a desire to preserve the values that give Saudi Arabia its soul.
