"Barbie Banned” in the Middle East - But Why Saudi Said Yes?
Barbie was banned in Kuwait and Lebanon yet played to sold-out crowds in Saudi Arabia and the UAE with PG‑15 clearance. Explore how the blockbuster is exposing cultural fault lines in the Gulf.
While Kuwait and Lebanon outright banned Barbie, Saudi Arabia hit pause then rolled out the pink carpet. What does that say about culture, control, and conscious modernization?
The Middle East has become an unexpected battleground over Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. Governments are split across censorship and acceptance, reshaping the conversation around gender, liberal values, and national identity.
Kuwait and Lebanon refused to screen Barbie, calling it “alien” to social norms. Algeria pulled it after opening. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, and Qatar held screenings with restricted ratings and content reviews.
What Provoked the Backlash?
Censors flagged its subtle pushes on feminism, LGBTQ representation, and challenging traditional family roles. Yet despite the shock, Jeddah and Riyadh opened theaters to pink outfits, slushies, and sold-out shows
Saudi Arabia still bans public cinemas under strict rules, yet allowed Barbie with a “PG‑15” rating for viewers 15 and up. A politically calculated release that signals gradual openness...but with ceiling.
In Dubai, some celebrated female empowerment, while conservative critics saw Ken’s pink side as “masculinity challenged” The moment Barbie hit screens, the region’s deep gender and generational divides came into full view.
Barbie isn’t just a movie here it’s a cultural litmus test.
Watch for more films to ride this wave: Middle Eastern governments will tighten rating systems, not ban soundtracks. This balancing act spells opportunity and tension for brands, filmmakers, and reformists.
Can symbolic cultural concessions like Barbie reshape societies? Or are they window dressing for deeper conservatism?
Share your take especially if you've seen the film in the Gulf, West Asia, or North Africa
