SAUDI Arabia has ditched its conservative laws to open its first permanent nightclub in a bid to appeal to party-hungry young people.
Called “New Life”, the Beast House RiyadhThe youthful Jax District is the only vibrant place for partygoers in the country, but getting in isn't cheap.
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With chic interiors, beautiful lighting and lavish amenities, creators expect the multi-storey nightclub to become the epicenter of the country's evolving art and music scene.
The place also features multiple studio spaces, dining areas and production areas equipped with recording booths.
Talented DJs and music producers enter the club to perform for Saudi youth who have been banned from partying for decades, even in private spaces.
The club is even expected to attract foreign tourists visiting the country who, until now, have had nowhere to go for parties.
Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of the company behind the location, said this Arabic news: “We see Beast House becoming a cornerstone of Riyadh's music scene, a place where creativity is nurtured and talents from the local and international scene can grow.
“Our vision is to revolutionize the way music is experienced in the region by fostering connections in the creative community through the power of music.”
Have you been to the nightclub? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]
“We've been spreading the word and giving people insight into what membership clubs are really about. We've rolled out a few sneak-peek events to introduce them to the experience, and we're connecting with creative trailblazers to grow the right community. ”
Saudi DJ Tarek anTabi who previously had to travel abroad to perform his sets, told The Times: “[The club] means the world to me,” after finally being able to showcase his musical skills in his home country.
However, joining the exclusive club doesn't come cheap: the lowest annual membership at the country's first nightclub costs a whopping £1,900.
But Saudis with deep pockets have the option to pay around £2,800 to squeeze out the biggest benefits.
One of the women who attended the club was Nouf, who admitted to feeling tempted to leave the country before subtle social reforms – including some more freedom for women – came into effect.
“It's a new life, we are born again. Especially as women,” she said as she entered the club with her friend.
The club is reportedly backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman racing to put Saudi Arabia on the world stage with his maddening projects like NEOM and the Line.
Although the exclusive party venue offers top-notch everything, alcohol is still prohibited at the venue – and strict bouncers have been hired specifically to enforce the no-booze rule.
Instead, guests can choose from the extensive menu of mocktails.
Alcohol, considered indecent in the Islamic faith, has been banned in the conservative country since the 1950s.
Whatever happened to Saudi Arabia's strict conservative rules?
By means of Sayan BoseForeign news reporter
GONE are the days when women were forced to cover themselves from head to toe and partying was a crime in the conservative Islamic state.
But why such a drastic change?
Saudi Arabia's young Prince Mohammed bin Salman is working quickly to engage and reach the country's younger generation, which makes up the majority of the country's current population.
He seems to want to ascend the royal throne while he has the backbone of the Saudi youth.
And what they want is more jobs, more entertainment and a space where they can live freely – at least to some extent.
Although women are still required to dress modestly – meaning they cannot wear tight-fitting clothing and see-through materials – the monarchy has relaxed dress codes somewhat in recent years after abolishing the law against wearing abayas in public.
Changes in both attitudes and law enforcement came as King Salman “stripped religious police of arrest powers and removed Saudi dress code enforcers,” The Wall Street Journal reports.
Women have now been given the right to drive and go to cinemas and other entertainment venues, including the country's first nightclub.
Although Saudi Arabia is considered one of the most gender-segregated countries in the world, the country's conservative gender rules are also changing.
In December 2019, restaurants were no longer required to have separate entrances for men and women, and some stopped enforcing segregation.
And now men and women are even allowed to party together.
The ambitious prince not only wants to appeal to the young population, but also wants to make the Saudi economy more independent of the oil trade – and attract more foreign investment.
He also wants to put the country on the world stage with his crazy projects such as NEOM and the Line.
The Islamic country recently lifted its alcohol ban for a select group of non-Muslim expats – mainly diplomats – in a dramatic break from the nationwide ban in place since 1952.
A Lebanese businessman dining at a French restaurant told The Guardian: “This country continues to surprise us.”
Another expert in the region said: “This is another step in normalizing government sanctions on alcohol in certain circumstances.”
Despite the Saudis' attempt to become less conservative, the absolute monarchy still restricts almost all political rights and civil liberties.
- There is still strong public scrutiny
- Dissentful opinions against the authorities are met with a harsh response
- Women from religious minorities still face extreme discrimination
- The country has been accused of exploiting much of its foreign workforce, who work day and night to maintain the city's glitzy backdrop.
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