Saudi Arabian entertainment sector will foster change

Significance

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has taken steps to introduce highly sensitive social reforms, which are liable to generate resistance in some quarters. However, he has erred on the size of caution, preferring to allow change by stealth. Alcohol is freely available, although legalisation permitting it is still a few years off.

Impacts

• An official announcement that alcohol is available in high-end hotels, notably in tourist regions along the Red Sea, is some way off.
• Allowing change by stealth allows the authorities to claim plausible deniability or rescind reforms if unpopular with the population.
• The GEA will increase the number of events hosted outside the capital to meet rising local demand for wider participation in entertainment.
• Expanded access will help the GEA address criticisms by other state institutions that it is undermining the Kingdom's values and traditions.