Saudi Arabia isn’t a country that brings us a lot of news, entertaining or otherwise. It is a pretty closely guarde kingdom, mostly just religiously relatable for many people. But apparently, they’ve just done something very strange. Among all the ups and downs of our own country recently, it’s been hard to pay attention to anything else happening in the world but this Saudi story is worth a read.
Recently, a very strange news broke that has made everyone a little confused
Lolsy, while all of us are sitting here in 2017, Saudi just bumped itself from the 1600’s to 3022.
Well, more like 2000 but you get what we mean. The resort will have special laws that will allow women to wear bikinis on the premises.
I mean let’s not kid ourselves (or our society), Saudi opening up a new resort with international standards is a big step. Known for having very traditional and conservative values, it seems things are going pretty much from 0 to 100 – realllll quick.
Some people welcomed the idea, saying it was a slap in the face of Islamophobes
Oh no. Now what's gonna happen to the islamohaters' classic "try wearing a bikini in Saudi" line (when outraged by Islamic attire)? ? https://t.co/sj7l3opbdV
— Sarata (@SuwoBurundiMuso) August 4, 2017
While many took this news with a grain of salt
Funny thing is Saudi Arabia always allowed Bikini on its beaches, just that those are beaches were Saudis are not allowed. Like in Jubeil.
— G. Sa3dan (@sa3dan) August 3, 2017
Saudi women won't be able to go. This will be like the compounds. Foreign women will be able to go in bikini.
— joseph ayoub (@Le_Joseph_Ayoub) August 3, 2017
Some, not even finding it believable
i cant imagine saudi women wearing bikini?
— hafsa✨ (@hafsaftharry) August 3, 2017
There were certainly some jokes thrown around
Saudi tourism agencies can even craft special packages : 14 day haj or umrah to Mecca, plus 3 day bikini beach stay. Give free suntan oil.
— هيكل بافنع (@BaFana3) August 3, 2017
Bikini ?under my burqa, coming soon in a Saudi resort. pic.twitter.com/YlBpuROKnK
— Mix Plate ? (@boorishian) August 3, 2017
And even some conspiracy theories
We love and thrive on those in our part of the world, don’t we?
saudi trying to copy dubai, bcas oil will finish in 30 years. So,no problem with bikini babes in saudi.
— राष्ट्र देवो भवः (@LOJI_CAL) August 1, 2017
But others had questions because apparently there still isn’t an official statement from the Kingdom’s officials
Will the #Saudi kingdom approve the #Bikini or not? everyone seems to be waiting to know ?
— Alma Hassoun (@AlmaHassoun) August 4, 2017
I think it ll not be done if its really done then 90% male saudi will be on that beach to see bikini girls???
— Irfan (@Uncle_urrfi) August 3, 2017
Some people even rejected it, outright because of a lack of any official statements
#Saudi #Bikini story isnt true
No Arabic article indicates that Saudi to allow Bikini in new Red Sea resort to be started2019 &launched 2022— Joumana Gebara (@JoumanaGebara) August 4, 2017
Saudi Arabia beach resort will allow bikini! Have any authentic source in favour of this though I am confused!
— Abul Hasan Mia (@hasanruc) August 3, 2017
And this guy raised other concerns
The right to wear a bikini is the least of problems women have in Saudi Arabia
— dadofad (@dadofad) August 4, 2017
Do you think this resort is really going to happen? Are you trying to move to Saudi? Are you shamefully shameless? Let us know in the comments below. Love you.
Cover image via: AFP Photo / Fethi Belaid