When Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez announced his engagement this month, two things were distinguished: too much a diamond ring and unmarried coexistence in conservative Saudi Arabia.
A celebrity couple and their five -child poachers have been living in the Islamic birthplace for more than two years, not undermined by law against non -marital relationships.
Their situation emphasizes the fact that, while the authorities now close their eyes to foreigners, such privileges remain unlimited Saudi Arabia, who still have to get married before living together.
Foreign couples, including Muslims, can now move together or stay in hotels, unmarried – an agreement that has been tolerated only lately.
It is a “part of the wider social transformation in Saudi Arabia,” said the sons of German Minister Carp Sebastian.
“Although conservative rules and regulations remain valid, they are less dominant than in previous years. For this reason, these strict rules are now applied to greater flexibility and pragmatism,” he said AFP.
In major cities, after decades of separation, young Saudists can now mix freely in public spaces, another sign of relaxation in the country.
However, living together before marriage remains a rarity, mainly for well -being, who are quietly sharing accommodation in expensive places.
– “Children of Sin” – –
Ronald’s 40, and 31 -year -old Rodriguez is an inconsistent feature of Saudi Arabia life, constantly declaring his luxurious lifestyle, often with gentle poses revealing clothes.
They were usually accepted by the youthful inhabitants of the Saudi Arabia, two thirds of it under 35 years of age who responded to their involvement in well, meem and jokes.
However, buried between good answers and comments about a few million dollars ring-there were disapproval pockets.
“How could the land of two sacred mosques take such an impurities for two years?” Raad Mohammed X was published, referring to Mecca and Medina, the most celebrated Islamic websites.
“Their children are the children of sin,” wrote another social media user called Asma.
It is difficult to imagine Ronald and Rodriguez in Saudi Arabia just a few years ago, when religious police caught a woman for a strict dress code and cinemas and live music were banned.
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, under the leadership of the de facto ruler, has changed a lot as he tries to open the country and end its economic trust in oil.
Now, many women are refusing to veil and headgear in the city centers, not Muslim tourists are being allowed, but from 2018 onwards. Women can drive legally.
The Petrodollas of Saudi Arabia attracted the constant flow of international stars and sports events, while luxury resorts and entertainment areas emerged.
“In the past, we were strictly checking the family status of the guests,” said Rijadh’s hotel reservations manager, who gave his name as Al Waleed.
“Now we don’t care what stays with whom.”
– “Example Model” – –
Ronaldo, signed by Al NASSR due to a high tax in 2023. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was the most important thing in this strategy.
Since his arrival at the huge fanfare, the flow of the highest players joined him in his Saudi Pro League, and Saudi Arabia won a giant prize: organized 2034. World Cup.
“Ronaldo pointed out in the Saudi Arabian football community, where he is considered both an example and an ideal ambassador to the government’s ambitious purpose – to firmly set up Saudi Arabia to the global football map,” Sons said.
Ronaldo and Rodriguez will soon be respected, with Riyadh reinforcement for a while.
In June, after many speculation, the winner of the Ballon D’Or five times has expanded his contract with the Al-Nasr until 2027.
SAR/TH/SMW