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Saudi Arabia allowed the celebration of Christmas.

Similarly, now in Saudi Arabia, permission has been granted to celebrate Christian and Jewish holidays.

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Non-Muslim religious celebrations have been permitted in Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud announced that he has signed a fatwa allowing Saudis and foreign residents in the Kingdom to celebrate Christmas and other Christian and Jewish holidays.

Local mass media are reporting on this. 

The Crown Prince explained this decision as part of a new approach to religious policy in the country and a process of re-examining the interpretation of Islam.

 

He emphasized that the renewed religious approach being formed in Saudi Arabia envisages respect for the freedom of belief of followers of other religions.

 

Thus, the rights of approximately 13 million non-Muslim residents living in the Kingdom have been expanded. The majority of them are Christians.

 

It is noted that in recent years, official permission has been granted to hold private and semi-public Christmas events in major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah.

 

In particular, the ban on installing Christmas trees and festive lights was lifted in 2022.

 

Furthermore, in 2023–2024, Christmas markets, themed concerts, and holiday programs in hotels and tourist complexes began to be organized in the country.

 

According to officials, these changes are part of Saudi Arabia's reforms aimed at openness to the global world, respect for cultural diversity, and the development of tourism.

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