Saudi Arabia is known for many things – from the Red Sea to Mecca where Muslims perform their pilgrimage, the country has always been known for its extravagance and, perhaps conversely, its devout faith.
But what do they do for fun?
Well, wonder no more because Jeddah just opened the world’s first ‘Halal’ Nightclub! Located on the waterfront of Jeddah, the club called ‘WHITE’ received much attention online, though Saudi authorities insisted that it was actually a ‘luxury cafe’ with high quality entertainment.
Source: the citizen
In order to adhere to the ‘Halal’ standards of the Islamic Law, WHITE will be serving non-alcoholic food, beverages and shishas, though ‘Halal’ also refers to other aspects including lifestyle choices and social context.
The tags #DiscoinJeddah and #Jeddahdisco has since been making its rounds on the web, spawning internet winning jokes and memes that could very well put get people in trouble but hey, it’s all in good fun right?
Nicki Minaj will host the opening party #ديسكو_في_جدة pic.twitter.com/bMpotg3SQs
— ???????? ?? (@aahammouri) June 13, 2019
#ديسكو_في_جده literally pic.twitter.com/jtyQt3WpvY
— ⛓ (@ninteynineonly) June 13, 2019
What happens in Jeddah stays in Jeddah ?#ديسكو_في_جدة
— ℬ (@baderll) June 12, 2019
Meanwhile, in Halal Nightclub. pic.twitter.com/t2off4UphK
— Ahmed Sobah (@sobarto2009) June 13, 2019
That said, many have expressed their concern over the opening of a nightclub, saying it violates Saudi Arabia’s identity and traditions and adding that it clashes with the kingdom’s religious standards as the host of the holiest shrine in Islam. It was reported that men and women would be able to freely mingle within.
Unfortunately, it seems that the club opened and was permanently closed on the very same day, according to Astro Awani. The General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia announced that the club did not have the proper permits as the owners applied for different kind of permit, leading the authority to accuse it of misusing the license.
American R&B singer Ne-Yo was in fact on his way to the club for it’s big opening night, but turned around when he learned it had been shut down. In an Instagram post, he apologized to his fans, saying that they would “try it again”.
Hopefully, they’ll have the proper permits next time round.
Habibis deserve to have some fun too, you know.
Also read: Report: Jho Low Named as VIP Client in Korean Club Scandal, Offered Sexual Services With Underaged Girls
