In a move that has drawn widespread criticism, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has launched the second edition of the International Dog Festival as part of the Riyadh Season entertainment events. The festival, which features 350,000 dogs from around the world competing in various categories, including “Sighthounds,” “Agility Dogs,” and “Working Dogs,” has an estimated cost of 5 million Saudi Riyals.
While the festival might appear as just another entertainment event, its timing and the context in which it is being held have ignited a firestorm of controversy. The event comes at a time when the Middle East is embroiled in significant conflicts, particularly the ongoing war in Gaza, and when many Saudi citizens are grappling with increasing poverty and unemployment. Critics argue that the festival is emblematic of the Saudi regime’s misplaced priorities, focusing on glitzy displays of wealth and entertainment while neglecting pressing humanitarian and domestic issues.
Contrasting Realities: Extravagance Amid Suffering
The launch of the festival has been particularly controversial due to its timing. The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in widespread devastation and loss of life, prompting calls for solidarity and support from across the Muslim world. Simultaneously, within Saudi Arabia, many citizens are facing economic hardship, with rising levels of poverty and unemployment becoming a growing concern. Critics of the Crown Prince argue that the lavish spending on events like the dog festival is tone-deaf and reflects a leadership out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary Saudis.
On social media, the backlash has been swift and harsh. Commentators have mocked the Crown Prince and his entertainment advisor, Turki Al-Sheikh, for prioritizing such events over more urgent issues. One prominent critic, Dr. Mohammed Al-Hashemi, sarcastically tweeted, “Urgent news for all the dogs of the world: Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will soon host the second edition of the Dog Festival as part of the Riyadh Season. Congratulations to all the dogs.”
Another critic, Dr. Huthaifa Abdullah Azzam, expressed his dismay, stating, “350,000 dogs are gathering for the (Dog and Sighthound Festival) at this critical time of upheaval. And where is this happening? In the land of the Two Holy Mosques! God, do not hold us accountable for what the foolish among us have done.”
A Broader Strategy of Image Management
The dog festival is just one element of a broader strategy employed by MBS to improve his global image through entertainment and sports, a strategy often referred to as “sportswashing.” This approach has seen Saudi Arabia invest heavily in various entertainment and sports events, including the “Kingdom Tour 2024,” which reportedly has a budget of 4 billion dollars and includes performances by local and international artists. The Crown Prince has also sought to attract Hollywood celebrities to the kingdom for film productions, furthering his goal of portraying Saudi Arabia as a modern, progressive nation on the global stage.
However, these efforts have not been without controversy. Many observers see these initiatives as attempts to distract from serious issues, both within the kingdom and beyond. The international community has criticized Saudi Arabia for its human rights record, particularly in the wake of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the ongoing war in Yemen. Domestically, the growing disparity between the Crown Prince’s extravagant projects and the everyday struggles of Saudi citizens has fueled discontent.
A Disconnect Between Leadership and People
The launch of the International Dog Festival in the midst of such turmoil underscores a broader disconnect between the Saudi leadership and its people. While MBS continues to invest heavily in high-profile events that aim to reshape the kingdom’s image, the challenges facing ordinary Saudis remain largely unaddressed. As the Crown Prince pursues his vision of a modern, globally influential Saudi Arabia, many are left questioning the true cost of these ambitions.
As the festival continues, so too does the debate over the kingdom’s priorities and the impact of MBS’s leadership on both Saudi Arabia and the broader region. The coming months and years will likely see continued scrutiny of the Crown Prince’s strategies and their implications for the future of the kingdom.
