The "Wall Street Journal" reported on the Christmas celebrations in Saudi Arabia for the first time in the kingdom's history, as authorities allowed the erection of Christmas trees and hanging decorations this year. As part of the recent openness policy adopted by the kingdom, stores in the capital, Riyadh, showcased artificial fir trees, where shoppers could find them alongside Santa hats and reindeer headbands.
Restaurants began offering Christmas cakes, especially the Italian "panettone," which is commonly prepared for the New Year. Furniture stores featured displays of garlands and red candles, while some hotels designed decorations in their indoor courtyards suitable for Christmas celebrations, with a significant portion including a Christmas tree. According to the newspaper, the price of a plastic fir tree reached $3,000.
Saudi Arabia has historically prohibited the public practice of religions other than Islam; however, Saudi government advisor Ali Al-Shihabi announced mid-year that a church would be built in Saudi Arabia, although no official confirmation or denial has been issued by authorities.
In recent years, the kingdom underwent significant social changes and economic reforms led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, allowing women to drive, enter football stadiums, reopening cinemas, and permitting large musical concerts. Stores and restaurants now welcome customers during prayer times, altering a previous policy that required these establishments to close during that period.
