Cairo: Saudi authorities have shut down a restaurant after it barred customers wearing the traditional Saudi garb, Saudi news portal Sabq reported on Friday.
The restaurant, located in the eastern city of Al Khobar, posted a social media note announcing the ban, according to the report.
A committee comprising representatives from the Eastern Province, police and municipal authorities on Thursday shut down the eatery, which is accused of committing other violations.
The closure order was issued by Governor of the Eastern Province Prince Saud Bin Nayef, according to Sabq.
The police summoned the restaurant owner for questioning as the store was closed pending the examination of its licence.
The measure confirms Saudi rules in taking pride in the traditional costume that is considered the main garb in the country, the report said.
Al Khobar is home to several international companies. The city has shopping centres and franchise restaurants.
Saudi males, regardless of their social classes and jobs, traditionally wear a loose long, sleeved robe known as a thawb. The garment is white in summer and spring. In winter, they wear woolen robes in dark colours. The headgear is an in intrinsic part of the traditional garb for Saudi men and boys, protecting them from the sun and sandstorms.
Saudi women, meanwhile, appear in public clad in a loose long black cloak called an abaya.
