26.12.2025 19:10
In Saudi Arabia, where Sharia law is enforced and many issues concerning women remain taboo despite recent reform efforts, women who wish to learn oriental dance find refuge in hiding behind closed doors. Dozens of women gather in a fitness center in the capital, Riyadh, secretly dancing to Arab music in an attempt to break free from societal pressures.
In Saudi Arabia, governed by Sharia law, despite the rhetoric of reform, women's visibility in social life still faces serious limitations. Women who want to learn oriental dance, therefore, gather secretly behind closed doors in the capital Riyadh to take lessons.
Although the women participating in these secret lessons dance with great enthusiasm, they are worried about their identities being revealed. According to AFP, no participant wants to share their name, and faces are especially hidden from cameras. This situation reveals that despite the rhetoric of reform, the pressure on women's bodies and their presence in public spaces still continues in Saudi Arabia.
THERE ARE REFORMS, BUT TABOOS REMAIN STRONG
In recent years, although there have been partial changes in social life with the opening of cinemas, concerts, and sports events, activities that directly focus on the female body, such as oriental dance, are still considered sensitive and taboo in large segments of society. For this reason, women have to conduct such activities secretly due to the fear of possible social pressure and exclusion.
"IT'S NOT POSSIBLE OUTSIDE"
One of the participants who spoke to AFP says that oriental dance is not just a sport for her, but also a space for liberation. However, she emphasizes that this freedom is only possible behind closed doors:
"We feel comfortable here, but it's still not possible to experience this outside."
DOORS LOCKED DURING DANCE
For women, these fitness studios stand out as one of the rare spaces where they can move without being judged. It is reported that the doors are kept locked during lessons, and special measures are taken to prevent images from leaking outside.
According to experts, this picture shows that societal boundaries against women in the country remain largely intact despite the reforms.