Saudi Arabia which is known for its conservative laws in practicing other religions is now seen celebrating Christmas in full zeal stirring an unprecedented increase in Christmas sales.
Christmas sales have increased in Saudi Arabia which is a positive change for all the Christians residing in the country.
The positive and inclusive move has been welcomed by all. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman pledged to steer the conservative Gulf Kingdom towards an “open and moderate Islam”.
For decades, Christmas sales were largely underground and Christians from the Philippines, Lebanon, and other countries celebrated their religious festivity behind closed doors or in expat districts.
In 2018, Saudi customs authorities warned on Twitter that Christmas trees were forbidden in the country which received a lot of negative criticism worldwide.
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The Arab kingdom has long been accused of its ultra-conservative religious mindset around the world but has now been slowly showing positive signs of change and acceptance of other religions.
It has even hosted officials linked to the Vatican as well as Jewish figures in recent years.
The heir to the Saudi throne has curbed the influence of once-powerful religious police, as he permits mixed-gender music concerts, cinemas, and other entertainment.
Prince Salman has relaxed the conservative laws and the measures have received widespread appreciation among the locals. His government is encouraging tourism for economic growth as the affluent oil producer, which has been dependent on its oil reserves, is now opting for tourism as the future mainstay of its economy.
Prince Salman is also more inclined to bring on more liberal structures in their country.
For example, Saudi Arabia recently granted more freedom to women and allowed them to drive and work alongside men at workplaces. In a country as conservative as Saudia Arabia, these drastic changes were considered an impossible task to do but it all has taken a flip.
However, the construction of temples and churches is still not allowed in the country.