"The past decade has seen Saudi Arabia invest in everything from football to opera to video games all part of the regime's efforts to diversify its oil-dependent economy and its execution-heavy reputation. Mohammed bin Salman's (MBS) latest interest? Comedy. The Riyadh comedy festival, which ends today, has attracted a number of big hitters. Among them: Pete Davidson, Louis CK, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Whitney Cummings and Jessica Kirson."
"The organiser of the festival and chair of the GEA, Turki Al-Sheikh, is a big fan of culture. Indeed, he reposted a song on X that celebrated the lead suspect in Jamal Khashoggi's murder. It's interesting that MBS has discovered a sense of humour, though, as the crown prince wasn't laughing when Masameer County, a South Park meets Family Guy-style satire, was picked up by Netflix and became one of the most popular shows in the region."
Saudi Arabia has spent the past decade investing in sports, arts and entertainment to diversify its oil-dependent economy and to remake its international image. The Riyadh comedy festival drew major international comedians including Pete Davidson, Louis CK, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Whitney Cummings and Jessica Kirson. The festival was organised by the General Entertainment Authority to position Riyadh as a cultural destination. Critics point to persistent human rights abuses and political repression that contrast with the entertainment push. GEA chair Turki Al-Sheikh has defended cultural promotion even as he reposted content celebrating a suspect in Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Creators and comedians have faced detention, jail terms and travel bans.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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