Halloween festivities excite public in Saudi Arabia

Arabia has embraced Halloween, to the delight of citizens and residents alike.

Pumpkins and ghoulish decorations are on display at homes and malls in the kingdom.

Ryan Davidson, a US citizen, said he went shopping for a werewolf costume in Riyadh for a Halloween party.

“Never would I have imagined Halloween being such a big deal as it is in the US,” he said.

Many residents said Halloween and Christmas were celebrated quietly before the kingdom announced its Vision 2030 initiative.

Fahad Alzowaid, manager at decoration and costume shop Party Experts in Riyadh, said he enjoyed seeing people celebrate Halloween.

“Everyone is buying make up, costumes and props to celebrate it,” he said.

“People are lining up and waiting up to 40 minutes just to buy costumes.

“The government has been great at controlling the pandemic and has helped avert this disaster.”

The Covid-19 infection rate has dropped in the kingdom in recent weeks, with about 50 cases recorded each day.

Saudi authorities have reported about 548,530 cases and more than 8,500 deaths since the pandemic began.

“Things are getting better but I am ensuring there are masks and limited gatherings for the safety of our children,” said Ghada Batarjee, a Saudi citizen.

She planned to mark Halloween at home using “spooky carved-out pumpkins, webs, lanterns and costumes”.

“We have been celebrating every year but now its more widespread as the government has opened up interactive events, stores and other entertainment venues,” she said.

“It’s so much fun for the kids – they love trick-or-treat, going down the road.

“Most of our neighbours have neon lights and signs saying ‘ring the bell for treats’ and it helps bring the community together in a festive way.”

This year, people can attend public Halloween events such as Horror Adventures at Winter Wonderland in Riyadh, where the occasion is being marked with a haunted house, scary maze and games.

People can also drive to the Tuwaiq Palace car park in Riyadh to enjoy trick-or-treating and competitions.

Syrup Lounge in the capital announced it would host a costume party for children, while some gyms have special events to help members celebrate.

“Imagine, Saudis used to travel abroad to experience these activities and now our government has brought them home so we can enjoy them here with our friends and families,” Enas Abdullah, a Saudi living in Riyadh told The National.

“We are dressing up as Squid Game characters and my cousins are coming as vampires.”