There were sex jokes, and trans jokes. It's really unusual to see this kind of comedy here in Saudi Arabia.
That's how one ex-pat summed up the performances she's seen at the first-ever Riyadh Comedy Festival.
The response was amazing, I've never seen such enthusiasm, she said, after sets by American stars Dave Chappelle and Bill Burr.
Despite avoiding discussions of Saudi Arabia's controversial human rights record, the comedians did address more explicit topics. Fans were taken aback by the content, reflecting the social conservatism of the country where homosexuality is illegal and strict laws govern public discourse.
Critics have slammed the festival as a propaganda tool for the Saudi regime, suggesting it serves to overshadow ongoing human rights abuses. Human Rights Watch pointed out that many performing at the event have not criticized the government, undermining the spirit of free speech.
Still, the festival has proven popular with local audiences, eager for new forms of entertainment. Attendees expressed that events like this reflect a desire among young Saudis for cultural change.
While some comedians, like Tim Dillon, have openly acknowledged financial motivations for performing at the festival, others defend their participation, suggesting it could foster positive change within the Kingdom.
As the festival unfolds, it raises broader questions about the balance between artistic expression and political power in a country undergoing significant social transformation.
