Turki Al-Sheikh addresses Riyadh Season criticism amid Gaza conflict
The head of the Entertainment Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Turki Al-Sheikh, has responded to those he described as “bidders” who use the Kingdom’s name, his name, or the name of the Riyadh Season as a “peg” to divert attention from another event or another situation.
This came in a post by Turki Al-Sheikh on his Facebook page, where he said: “There is an important point that I think must be pointed out clearly, and I have not spoken much recently, but I think it is important to talk now… The year 1967 AD, when countries were occupied, nothing stopped, during the Lebanon War, nothing stopped, and when my country was in a war for 7 years, nothing stopped, and Saudi blood is more precious to me than anything.”
He continued: “When trivial people outbid us, we must clarify the truth… I do not know when the mockery of using the name of the Kingdom, my name, or the name of the Riyadh season in anything as a peg to divert attention from another event or another situation will end… and for how long will it be allowed to make mistakes against important figures in my country and cry when responding? How long will they intimidate everyone who cooperates with us in an honorable work like any other work?”
Turki Al-Sheikh added: “I have not seen football games stopping, for example, and any free and honorable job and any tourism job as well… I think that the Arab citizen has become familiar and understands that the name of Turki Al-Sheikh is used for what reason and by whom… The situation has become completely exposed, with the same tools, the same newspapers, the same method and the same people… but Saudis, I am one of them, are busy with the development and renaissance of their country, and I welcome every visitor and admirer.”
Turki Al-Sheikh’s post comes in the wake of the widespread controversy raised by Egyptian artist Muhammad Salam when he apologized for participating in a show in Riyadh Season amid the current war between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
