A group of five women performed samba dance, while wearing semi-nude dresses, on the streets of Jazan city in Saudi Arabia during a state-run festival. A video of the performance has went viral on social media.

Amid growing criticism against the same, authorities in the country have initiated a probe.

Jazan governor Prince Muhammad bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz has launched an inquiry into the presence of samba dancers at the festival.

“His Highness the Emir of Jazan region has directed a quick investigation into the participation of a dance troupe in downtown events in Jizan Winter Festival, and to take the necessary measures to prevent any abuses and produce the results of the investigation,” the official Twitter account of the Jazan region said in a statement.

Several social media users have raised their strong concern over the dance performace.

“This exemplified what I called #WhiskyWahhabi,” Ali al-Ahmed, a prominent Saudi dissident based in the US, tweeted. “I coined this term to show how [the] Saudi monarchy is banning celebration of Prophet Mohamed’s birthday on religious grounds but doing this.”
One user said, “We have forgotten that we are a Muslim country and have begun moral and incorrect transgressions that are not necessary.”