Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and his close associate, Turki Al-Sheikh, head of the General Entertainment Authority, have come under fire for their extravagant spending on entertainment projects and celebrity events. While millions of Saudi citizens are grappling with poverty and economic challenges, the leadership’s focus on lavish festivals and entertainment initiatives has sparked widespread criticism and public outrage. Many argue that this disconnect between the government’s priorities and the population’s struggles is leading to increasing discontent in the kingdom.
A Nation Left in Poverty
Under the rule of MBS, Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector has exploded with grand events and celebrity appearances, yet this rise in spectacle has not been accompanied by improvements in the livelihoods of everyday Saudis. Many citizens have resorted to what some describe as “collective begging,” competing for prizes and handouts to survive, as wealth disparity continues to widen.
The recent controversy surrounding Turki Al-Sheikh’s promotion exemplifies the growing gap between the government’s spending and the people’s needs. Al-Sheikh offered six luxury cars as prizes for those who photographed three airplanes being transported by road from Jeddah to Riyadh. This publicity stunt drew harsh criticism, as people from all walks of life, including disabled war veterans and elderly women, flocked to the desert highways in a bid to capture images and win a prize. This event led to social media uproar, with many accusing the government of pushing the Saudi people into “collective begging.”
Public Backlash and Social Media Outcry
The public’s reaction to the event was swift and severe. The hashtag “Al-Sheikh Humiliated the People” trended on social media, with many Saudis expressing their frustration at the government’s perceived disregard for the well-being of its citizens. One particularly poignant criticism came from a disabled veteran who had lost limbs in the Yemen war. He, like many others, took part in the promotion, hoping to win a luxury car, which he saw as a last resort to improve his life. Commentators on social media pointed out that instead of relying on handouts, these veterans should be provided with prosthetic limbs and meaningful support from the state.
One tweet read, “In respectable countries, disabled soldiers receive proper care. In Saudi Arabia, they are left to beg on the roadside for a car.” This sentiment echoed the frustrations of many Saudis who feel abandoned by a government that seems more focused on hosting extravagant events than addressing the growing needs of its citizens.
Lavish Entertainment Spending
While ordinary Saudis struggle to make ends meet, MBS and Al-Sheikh have continued to pour billions into the entertainment sector. Al-Sheikh recently announced plans for the Kingdom Tour 2024, an entertainment festival with a reported budget of $4 billion. The event will feature concerts, performances by local and international artists, and a host of other entertainment activities aimed at boosting Saudi Arabia’s image on the global stage.
Additionally, Al-Sheikh has spearheaded the World Dog Festival, which will feature 350,000 dogs from around the world and cost 5 million riyals. These events, while designed to promote Saudi Arabia as a modern, open society, have been met with backlash from those who believe that such lavish spending is insensitive in light of the poverty many citizens face.
Celebrity Involvement and Image Building
The government’s strategy of using high-profile celebrity appearances to enhance Saudi Arabia’s international image has also drawn criticism. MBS has invested heavily in attracting global celebrities such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez, spending millions to bring them to Saudi Arabia. While these efforts may succeed in drawing global attention, they have done little to address the deepening economic problems within the kingdom.
Critics argue that these initiatives are part of a larger strategy to distract from Saudi Arabia’s domestic issues. By hosting extravagant events and focusing on the entertainment sector, MBS and Al-Sheikh appear to be engaging in “image laundering”—attempting to gloss over the nation’s human rights record and economic struggles through celebrity endorsements and festivals.
Economic Disparity and Unmet Needs
Despite the kingdom’s vast oil wealth, the gap between rich and poor in Saudi Arabia continues to widen. While billions are spent on entertainment and celebrity-driven projects, many Saudis are left without the basic necessities of life. The lack of adequate support for war veterans, disabled citizens, and low-income families highlights the government’s misplaced priorities.
Furthermore, unemployment remains a pressing issue, particularly among young graduates who are struggling to find work in a rapidly changing economy. While MBS’s Vision 2030 seeks to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, the focus on entertainment and high-profile projects has not translated into meaningful opportunities for many Saudis.
A Call for Accountability
The growing public discontent surrounding MBS’s and Turki Al-Sheikh’s extravagant spending on entertainment reveals a deeper issue: the need for accountability and a more equitable distribution of resources in Saudi Arabia. While the government continues to invest in image-building projects, many citizens are left to struggle with poverty, unemployment, and a lack of basic support.
As criticism mounts, it is becoming clear that the kingdom’s leadership must address the underlying issues affecting its people. Without meaningful reform, the gap between the government’s priorities and the needs of its citizens will continue to grow, further fueling dissatisfaction and instability in Saudi Arabia.
The time has come for MBS and his administration to shift their focus from entertainment extravagance to addressing the real economic and social challenges facing the Saudi people.
