18.01.2026 13:10
At the Joy Awards Ceremony held in Saudi Arabia, where Sharia law is in effect, the dresses of female guests that broke the dress code made a significant impact. It was noteworthy that many female attendees opted for extremely modern evening gowns.
The Joy Awards Ceremony in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, brought together numerous celebrities from the film and music world. At the ceremony in a country where Sharia law is in effect, the outfits of female guests that defied dress codes drew attention.
DRESS CODES DEFIED
The images displayed on the lavender carpet during the night, which brought together important figures from the art, cinema, and music worlds from different countries, created a significant buzz on social media. In a country known for its strict dress codes for many years, the choice of Western-style designs with shoulder or back cutouts that accentuated the body lines by female guests was seen as a sign of cultural transformation in Saudi Arabia.
PART OF 'VISION 2030'
Experts emphasize that such organizations are part of the country's policy to open up to the world in entertainment, tourism, and culture under "Vision 2030," stating that the free and modern atmosphere showcased during the night also highlighted the social changes occurring in society.
In Saudi Arabia, where 99% of the population is Muslim, Sharia laws are enforced. Women are required to wear long tunics or abayas that conceal their daily clothing and must travel with a male family member. On the other hand, the clothing restrictions for men are limited to not wearing shorts. At the Joy Awards Ceremony held in the capital Riyadh, the choice of extremely modern evening gowns by female guests without adhering to dress codes drew attention.