Riyadh (Entertainment Desk):
“It was shocking to hear jokes about sex and wives being told openly — something completely unheard of in a country like Saudi Arabia,” said a Saudi-based woman who attended the kingdom’s first-ever Riyadh Comedy Festival.
According to her, the atmosphere at the event was electric and full of enthusiasm. “People were laughing, cheering, and completely engaged. I’ve never seen anything like this here before,” she added.
The festival marks a major cultural shift in Saudi Arabia, where open discussions on relationships and gender dynamics have traditionally been considered taboo. Organized as part of the country’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, the event attracted both local and international comedians, signaling a new era of entertainment freedom in the kingdom.
Observers say the Riyadh Comedy Festival reflects Saudi Arabia’s evolving cultural landscape, blending bold humor with cautious social reform.
