The film "Barbie" has sparked a division among audiences in the conservative Gulf, leading to its ban in certain Arab countries.
According to AFP, the movie has drawn attention in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where fans have enthusiastically dressed in pink versions of the abaya, the traditional full-covering robe, to watch the popular film.
While Bahrain has screened "Barbie," it has been banned in Kuwait and remains unreleased in Qatar and Oman. Additionally, it is barred in Algeria and Lebanon within the broader Middle Eastern context.
The tongue-in-cheek film created by feminist filmmaker Greta Gerwig does not explicitly reference LGBTQ themes but subtly alludes to concepts of diversity and inclusivity, featuring a transgender actor.
Cinemas in Dubai are bedecked with themed memorabilia, and photo booths fashioned like doll boxes adorn the establishments.
The fervor has extended to social media, with a video depicting a colossal digitally-rendered Barbie alongside the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, being widely shared.
The movie touches on themes of female empowerment from its outset. The array of Barbie characters includes a president, diplomat, and Supreme Court justices—occupations traditionally associated with men.
As the narrative progresses, the concept of patriarchy threatens to infiltrate "Barbieland," a utopian society governed by matriarchy, where men leisure on the beach while women hold esteemed positions.
