Saudi ‘Got Talent,’ but no women or music

RIYADH - Agence France-Presse

The Dubai-based Saudi television group MBC has for two seasons been running ‘Arabs Got Talent.’ The program is held north of the capital in the city of Buraydah.

A Saudi city known for its ultra-conservatism has created its own version of the “Arabs Got Talent” television reality show, but with no music and women banned from taking part.

 Instead, competitors will be permitted to perform religious chants, recite poems and engage in sports events.

 The contest is being held north of the capital in the city of Buraydah, known as a center for Wahhabism, a strict interpretation of Islam that is followed in the desert kingdom, Al-Hayat daily reported on June 10.
 “Buraydah’s Got Talent” is the title of the contest which will abide by the strict rules of segregation between the sexes, meaning it is not open to women.

 Music, singing and dancing are strict no-nos, despite being staples in “Britain’s Got Talent” and similar talent competitions that have become a global viewing phenomenon with national versions televised in 32 countries.

 The Saudi version, organized by the Internet Buraydah Forum, will take place in the open air before a jury comprising a poet, a television producer and TV presenters, Al-Hayat said, quoting forum supervisor Jalawi al-Shukair.

 The Dubai-based Saudi television group MBC has for two seasons been running “Arabs Got Talent,” and a Saudi group is among this year’s finalists.