Saudi TV Host Faces Backlash Over “Indecent” Outfit After Women’s Driving Rights Celebration
On June 28, 2018, a clip of Shireen al‑Rifaie, a presenter for Dubai‑based Al Aan TV, quickly went viral, sparking outrage across Saudi Arabia’s conservative circles. The video shows Rifaie wearing a loose headscarf and a gown that left her trousers and blouse exposed—something that many felt violated the kingdom’s strict dress codes.
What Went Wrong?
- “Indecent” clothing cited by authorities: The General Authority for Audiovisual Media (GAAM) hauled her in for supposedly “violating regulations and instructions.”
- Rifaie’s defense “decent clothes”: She insisted she was fully covered, but the debate had already begun.
- Hashtags and hashtags: The #nakedwomandrivinginRiyadh trend lit up Twitter, with some joking that a fully clad woman was “naked” because of the hardliners’ over‑dramatic commentary.
Who’s Behind the Outcry?
While the clip itself was the trigger, the storm erupted against a backdrop of an ultra‑conservative regime that has some of the fiercest dress codes for women. A body‑shrouding abaya is mandatory for women in public, and any deviation can invite swift backlash.
Other Drama in the Kingdom
- Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia ousted the head of its entertainment authority after a circus performance featuring women in skintight leotards drew condemnation.
- In April, authorities shut down a women’s fitness centre over a promotional video* displaying figure‑hugging gym attire.
- Later that month, the sports ministry apologized over a WWE promo that showcased scantily clad wrestlers, a move that drew mixed responses from the public.
Departure and Deliberation
After the uproar, Rifaie decided to leave the country. While the specific reasons remain unclear, it’s safe to say that the combination of media scrutiny, public pressure, and regulatory heat made Saudi Arabia a tough place to stay for a flamboyant television presenter.
Meanwhile, the world finds a strange irony: just as women in Saudi Arabia celebrated their newfound right to drive, the same populace found itself grappling wildly over a TV host’s outfit—exacting rationality in a climate where decorum is anything but optional.
