RIYADH: Hundreds of enthusiasts gathered for the first concert to watch performances by Syrian diva Assala Nasri and Kuwaiti singer Nabeel Shuail on Thursday in Saudi capital after the Covid-19 outbreak.
Before the Covid-19 SOPs were implemented a year ago to stem out the spread of coronavirus, the ultra-conservative Islamic kingdom had started to ease decades-long restrictions on entertainment industry, as part of the efforts to improve its image and attract tourists. One of the spectators said, “This is the first concert to take place in Saudi Arabia after a long time”, held at a restaurant of Riyadh’s local hotel. A Kuwaiti tourist said, “We are delighted to come from Kuwait to attend the concert." Saudi Arabia has officially recorded more than 454,000 coronavirus infections, including 7,408 deaths.