In a recent fashion show in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, the organizers tried something different by using drones to display dresses instead of models. However, this idea didn’t go as planned, and it led to a lot of jokes and criticism on social media. People compared the floating dresses to ghosts and felt it sent a negative message about women in Saudi Arabia.
The event’s organizer, Ali Nabil Akbar, defended the use of drones, saying it was an innovative idea, especially for the month of Ramadan. They worked hard to make it the first-of-its-kind fashion show in a Persian Gulf nation.
Saudi Arabia has strict rules about how women should dress, with abayas and head coverings often required. While Jiddah is more open compared to other places, the country has been going through changes under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership. Some restrictions for women have been eased, like allowing them to drive and promoting their participation in sports and fashion.
Despite these changes, there is still criticism about women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. Activists fighting for women’s rights face challenges, and progress towards equality has been slow. In more conservative cities like Riyadh, fashion events have faced difficulties due to strict rules and limited audiences.
Using drones at the fashion show in Jiddah highlighted the ongoing struggle between traditional values and efforts to modernize the country. The attempt to impress with this creative idea brought attention to the complex issues surrounding women’s rights and social change in Saudi Arabia.
