JEDDAH – The Halal Night Club controversy has hit Saudi Arabia as socialmedia has stormed against it.
Saudi authorities on Saturday decided to close the ‘Hilal nightclub’, whichwas supposed to open in the coastal city after social media witnessed astorm of protests against the club’s opening.
Dubai and Beirut nightclub brand White said this week that a new branchwould open its doors in Jeddah, reports The New Arab.
Those in favour of the latest venue, which will only serve non-alcoholiccocktails, tweeted using the Arabic-language hashtag #JeddahDisco.
Opponents of the move expressed their frustration under the rival hashtagmeaning: “I don’t accept forbidden acts on Jeddah beach”.
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The Saudi General Authority for Entertainment ended the social media warsin the kingdom when it declared it was opening an immediate investigationinto the night club that had been a “violation of the legal proceedings”and “had not been licensed”.
White had lined up American singer Ne-Yo for its opening night, with entrycosting between €71-€222 per person.
“Was excited to perform for you and en route to the venue I was told it hadbeen shut down,” Ne-Yo posted on Instagram.
