Saudi Arabia closes dozens of music lounges

Saudi authorities have recently ordered the closure of more than twenty music lounges in Riyadh and Jeddah. These venues, which became popular over the past few years, offered live performances, shisha, mixed gender spaces, and affordable entry. They symbolized the rapid social transformation taking place under the kingdom’s modernization agenda.

Officials explained the closures by citing violations of public health and hygiene codes. Inspectors reported breaches serious enough to justify immediate shutdowns. Yet many observers believe the crackdown reflects growing pressure from conservatives uneasy with the pace of reforms. Lounges have been criticized for encouraging unrelated men and women to mingle, hosting live music, and promoting a more liberal social environment that some view as incompatible with Saudi traditions.

The rise of such spaces highlights the broader cultural opening under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Since 2016, restrictions on gender mixing have eased, the religious police have been stripped of much of their authority, and large-scale entertainment projects like Riyadh Boulevard have been launched. These changes have created opportunities for younger Saudis and middle-income families to enjoy new forms of social life.

Music lounges in particular gained popularity for being accessible. Entry fees, typically around 80 riyals or 21 US dollars, often included shisha and non-alcoholic drinks. Many offered discounted or free access for women and couples, making them especially appealing compared to costly concerts and festivals. For a segment of the population, they represented a rare affordable escape in the expanding entertainment scene.

But their popularity also fueled backlash. In one viral video, a conservative singer in Riyadh complained about lounges opening across from family homes, lamenting the gender mixing and claiming his repeated appeals to the police and municipal authorities were ignored. His grievances resonated with others who fear traditional values are being eroded.

The state’s response appears to straddle two goals: sustaining its modernization drive while containing criticism from conservatives. A new Interior Ministry unit has been tasked with monitoring what it calls immoral acts, including prostitution and begging. Some see this as a partial revival of the old religious police, even if under a different guise.

The closures underscore the fragile balance in Saudi Arabia’s social reforms. Demand for more relaxed, inclusive spaces is evident, but resistance remains strong. The government’s approach suggests reforms will continue, yet with careful limits designed to avoid alienating the kingdom’s conservative base.