Manama: Saudi Arabia has warned restaurants not to hire music bands or musicians until an official permission is announced.
The Emir of Makkah Prince Khalid Al Faisal gave directives preventing bands from playing music or singers from performing in restaurants until further notice.
The clarification was made after reports that several restaurants in the Red Sea city of Jeddah invited musicians and bans to perform, playing mainly oud, guitar and organ to entertain their clients but without taking the necessary permits, Saudi daily Okaz reported on Thursday.
Sources told the daily the statement was made in the absence of clear rules for such activities.
Public concerts and musical performances are now being held regulalrly in Saudi Arabia as the kingdom is witnessing massive political, economic and social developments.
An overhaul of the Saudi society vis-à-vis entertainment is being carried out by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) established to organise, develop and lead the entertainment sector.
The drive, in line with one of the pillars of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to create a vibrant society, seeks to provide “exciting entertainment options and tailored experiences to the needs of people from all walks of life around Saudi Arabia.”
A major objective for the GEA is “to contribute to improving and enriching the lifestyle and social cohesion among the community.”
