Riyadh holding Shakira’s concert draws netizens’ backlash amid War in Gaza
The fourth edition of Riyadh Season kicked off on 29th October, and will go on until March.

Riyadh holding Shakira’s concert has drawn netizens’ backlash amid the War in Gaza!
For many holding concerts in the Kingdom of Saudi at times when Muslims across the world are in grief over the situation in Gaza, seems to be a very shameful act.
The Riyadh 2023 season kicked start on October 29th featuring many international artists.
The fourth edition will go on until March.
Global pop star Shakira performed at a 1st-ever concert in Saudi Arabia, which was held as a part of the Riyadh Season 2023. Though the concerts were planned in advance, not everyone is happy about it.
The #RiyadhSeason is symptomatic of Saudi indifference towards the Palestine war. The rulers want to tell the world that they are not even bothered. It is the peak of their apathy. The season is a big taunt for them, and it will haunt them for the next 100 years. https://t.co/VC0HbYUupi
— Azizullah Khan (@azkcsp) October 30, 2023
2 photos: one from #Gaza, & one from Riyadh of #SaudiArabia last night. In one Gaza facing a genocide, & in the other Saudis dancing to Shakira tunes.
Shame on inhumane Mohamed bin Salman.#Islam #StopGenocideInGaza #starlinkforgaza #Gaza_Genocide #Gazabombing #PAKvSA #PakVsRSA pic.twitter.com/JrblRzHnOH— الهاشمي – ALHACHIMI (@MALHACHIMI) October 29, 2023
When the entire ummah is mourning for the martyrs of Palestine, Saudi Arabia (in Riyadh) is organising a music concert of Shakira.
One Ummah? pic.twitter.com/VvnDIYD0aY
— أمينة Amina (@AminaaKausar) October 28, 2023
They are busy in shakira concert pic.twitter.com/qtQPWLkQHa
— mujahed (@me_mujahed) October 31, 2023
You can dance to the tunes of #Shakira, flaunt your body by wearing a bikini, but cannot take a Palestine flag with you in #SaudiArabia. #RiyadhSeason #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/pUTk0XJlpz
— Faheem (@stoppression) October 29, 2023
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia arrested a man for showing 🇵🇸 flag. Shakira concerts and halloween are allowed but not support for Palestine or Palestinians#GazaGenocide pic.twitter.com/CHbjnyagWH
— Zaid (@TweetsByZaid) November 3, 2023
Utterly disgraceful. While Palestinians are enduring a tragic situation, the 'condemnation kings' are indulging in festivities. https://t.co/qcCi7AFrHy
— Faheem (@stoppression) October 29, 2023