Mixed audience permitted for the first time as national day festivities promote patriotic pride and aim to open up societySaudi Arabia has allowed women into the national stadium for the first time as it launched celebrations to mark the 87th anniversary of its founding with an unprecedented array of concerts and performances. Saudi society is rigid, its youth restless. The prince’s reforms need to succeed Read moreThe festivities are part of a government bid to boost national pride and improve the quality of life for Saudis timed to coincide with Saturday’s national day. Companies from telecoms operators to furniture stores have launched patriotic-themed marketing campaigns offering discounts for the holiday weekend. The government agency organising the national day festivities, expects some 1.5 million Saudis to attend events in 17 cities over four days.

Source: The Guardian September 24, 2017 00:56 UTC