Saudi Arabia may allow movie theatres

Movie theatres in Saudi Arabia will no longer remained banned as the kingdom’s Labour Ministry has added on its website cinemas as part of economic activities, providing work and business opportunities to individuals and companies.

According to a report posted on Al Arabiya website and based on a report on the activities in the ministry of labour, the miscellany of cinema activities include cinema, other entertainment services, film production and distribution and screening of movies.

The ministry, however, did not give details about these areas or how to work on them and carry them out, nor did it determine the conditions and rules for those eligible to practice such an activity.

There was a mixed reaction to the issue as a number of Saudi citizens Khaleej Times spoke with to elicit their views on the issue considered it a good gesture and a proper policy towards allowing the movie theatres to operate in the kingdom. They said the Saudi families feel satisfied when they go to watch movies in other countries.

Some Saudis said it is time to allow movie theatres in the kingdom as the move will create a positive atmosphere for the youth. However, the topic has generated a heated debate among the Saudis on social networking sites with both liberals and moderates busy in praising and opposing the move.

malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com