Authorities in Jeddah, the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia have closed a mixed dance-floor on the opening night of the city’s controversial ‘halal’ nightclub brand, pending investigation.
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The ‘halal’ disco, which allowed men and women to dance in the same venue, was temporarily shut down on June 13, reported Gulf News.
In a statement posted on its official Twitter account, the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) announced the opening of an immediate investigation into videos circulating online that were seemingly showing the inside of the venue.
“According to information provided to the GEA, the event (Project X) is in violation of the legal procedures and regulations in force, and has not been authorised by the body,” the statement said.
Online videos of the venue’s performances the previous day were also brought to the GEA’s attention. The videos showed men and women dancing in public. Another video had a woman explaining the set-up of the club, with a ‘halal bar’ and shisha that ranged from SR 370-500 Saudi riyals.
The instance occurred just before US-based performer Ne-Yo was scheduled to headline the club’s grand opening during the waterfront festival. The venue was reportedly a branch of the White brand, which also has clubs in Dubai and Beirut.
