Controversial Film “Barbie” Divides Audiences in Conservative Gulf
DUBAI—The film “Barbie” is causing a rift among audiences in the conservative Gulf region after being banned in some Arab countries. In the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where women were not allowed to drive or go to cinemas until recently, fans have flocked to see the hit movie, even dressing in pink versions of the traditional abaya. However, the celebration of female empowerment has faced backlash from those who are uncomfortable with the social change it represents.
A photoshopped image showing Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed in pink robes went viral on social media, and a popular Bahraini preacher spoke out against what he perceives as the progressive agenda of the film. While Bahrain is among the Gulf states where “Barbie” is being shown, Kuwait has banned the film, and it has not been released in Qatar or Oman. Algeria and Lebanon have also barred the film in the wider Middle East.
“We never imagined that such a movie would be shown in Gulf countries,” said Wadima Al-Amiri, an 18-year-old Emirati, who attended a packed cinema in Dubai where pink popcorn was offered to moviegoers dressed in matching colors. The film, directed by Greta Gerwig, subtly touches on topics of diversity and inclusion and features a transgender actor. Cinemas in Dubai, known as the cosmopolitan center of the Gulf, are decorated with doll-themed memorabilia.
While some embrace the film’s message of female empowerment, others have voiced their concerns. Mounira, a 30-year-old Saudi mother, took her three daughters to see “Barbie” in Dubai, saying, “If the movie includes principles or concepts opposed to those we believe in, it should not be shown in Saudi Arabia or in other Gulf countries.” She added, “But we came to give the film a chance.”
Social media has been abuzz with enthusiasm for the film. A video of a giant Barbie displayed next to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, gained thousands of views. The film addresses female empowerment from the beginning, featuring various Barbies in roles traditionally held by men, such as president, diplomat, and Supreme Court justices. However, as the plot unfolds, the matriarchal society depicted in “Barbieland” is threatened by patriarchal forces.
The film has created a stir in Saudi Arabia, where female activists continue to face charges for violating strict dress codes on social media. Restaurants in the capital Riyadh have introduced Barbie-inspired dishes and drinks. Nevertheless, the film has faced criticism from those who believe it challenges traditional masculinity. “For a man to resemble a woman by wearing makeup and dressing effeminately… this is something I do not like,” said Hanan Al-Amoudi, a Saudi mother-of-four.
In Bahrain, the film has drawn the ire of Islamic preacher Hassan Al-Husseini, who called for a ban, stating that it “revolts against the idea of marriage and motherhood” and portrays men as “monsters.” Similar objections were raised in Kuwait, which banned the film to protect public ethics and social traditions. However, Kuwaitis have still found ways to watch “Barbie” through piracy websites or by traveling to neighboring Saudi Arabia.
Some viewers, like Reefan al-Amoudi, an 18-year-old Saudi, believe that “Barbie” pushes the feminist agenda too far. “It is nice for a woman to work and be self-reliant,” she said. “But her body is not like a man’s body. She is able to do everything like a man, but within limits.” Kuwaiti journalist Sheikha Al-Bahaweed, who streamed the film online, was disappointed, feeling that it lacked feminist and inclusive qualities. “Feminism is never based on replacing a patriarchal system with a matriarchal one,” she said. “It is based on equality, justice, and equal opportunities.”
As the controversy surrounding “Barbie” continues to spark debate in the Gulf, audiences remain divided on whether the film represents a positive step towards female empowerment or a challenge to traditional values.
