Saudi Arabia finally lifts ban on public cinemas after 35 years

Many religious leaders in the country believe Western films encourage sin.

But Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 32, paved the way for cinemas to be granted licenses immediately as he seeks to introduce a more tolerant version of Islam compared to the radical interpretation of the faith adopted in 1979.

All but one of the country’s cinemas were shut down during the conservative crackdown in the 1980s.

Saudi Culture Minister Awwad Alawwad said: “This marks a watershed moment in the development of the cultural economy in the Kingdom.

“Opening cinemas will act as a catalyst for economic growth and diversification; by developing the broader cultural sector we will create new employment and training opportunities, as well as enriching the kingdom’s entertainment options.”

The first cinemas are expected to open in March.

And officials expect more than 300 to be granted a license over the next 12 years.

The move could create up to 30,000 full-time jobs by 2030, the Culture and Information Ministry said.

In September King Salman, the crown prince’s father, announced women would be allowed to drive next year.

And Prince Mohammed said in April Saudi Arabia would be “a country of moderate Islam that is open to all religions, traditions and people.”

But the country’s most senior religious figure, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al ak-Sheikh earlier this year warned against the “depravity” of cinemas and said they would “corrupt morals”.

He said: “We know that singing concerts and cinemas are a depravity. 

“At the beginning they would assign areas for women, but then both men and women will end up in one area. This corrupts morals and destroys values.”

And the Culture and Information Ministry admitted films would still be governed by Islamic law.

He said: “The content of the shows will be subjected to censorship based on the media policy of the Kingdom.

“The shows will be in line with the values and principles, and will include enriching content that is not contrary to Sharia laws and ethical values of the Kingdom.”