RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s first-ever Riyadh Comedy Festival is making global headlines as comedians perform bold routines filled with Sex Jokes and taboo topics rarely discussed in the Kingdom. The event, part of the country’s ongoing cultural transformation, has drawn huge crowds of locals and expats eager to experience an unprecedented style of entertainment.
Famous comedians like Dave Chappelle and Kevin Hart took the stage, leaving audiences both laughing and stunned. Many attendees described the performances as surreal, noting that Sex Jokes and jokes about relationships were “flying everywhere” — something unimaginable in Saudi Arabia just a few years ago.
Running until October 9, the festival featured international acts who touched on sensitive themes such as sexuality, gender, and modern relationships. While performers explored provocative material, they avoided direct criticism of the Saudi government or royal family, a condition reportedly included in their performance contracts.
Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka revealed she declined to perform after being asked to sign an agreement banning jokes about religion or royalty. Despite this restriction, the inclusion of Sex Jokes and other edgy humor marked a striking shift in the country’s entertainment landscape.
However, the event has not been without controversy. Several comedians, including Jimmy Carr, Jack Whitehall, and Omid Djalili, faced backlash for participating. Others, like Jessica Kirson, later apologized and donated their earnings to human rights organizations. Critics argue the festival is part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to project a more modern image while maintaining tight control over speech.
Still, record-breaking attendance shows the appetite for change. Local women were seen laughing openly at topics once considered off-limits. With top performers reportedly earning multi-million-dollar fees, the Riyadh Comedy Festival is redefining what’s possible in one of the world’s most conservative societies — testing how far the limits of humor and Sex Jokes can go in the new Saudi Arabia.
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