Saudi Arabia cracks down on music ‘lounges’ after conservative backlash

At least two dozen venues in Riyadh and Jeddah closed over hygiene violations, reflecting pressure from conservative voices amid Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reform agenda.

Saudi authorities have shut down at least two dozen music lounges in Riyadh and Jeddah, citing serious breaches of hygiene and public health codes.

These establishments, which combined live music, shisha, and mixed-gender socialising, had grown in popularity under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s liberalisation drive.

Officials insisted the closures were linked to regulatory violations, though the move comes amid rising conservative criticism of such venues for challenging traditional values.

Patrons described the lounges as affordable spaces to relax and enjoy entertainment, contrasting with high-priced concerts and luxury events.

While alcohol remains prohibited, these lounges had offered one of the few outlets for men and women to gather more freely.

The closures illustrate the government’s attempt to balance its modernisation goals with managing conservative backlash, highlighting the ongoing tension between Saudi Arabia’s reformist trajectory and entrenched social expectations.