GULF REGION: Barbie, the iconic doll, is sparking both excitement and controversy in the conservative Gulf region as the film featuring the beloved character has been banned in some Arab countries.
According to AFP, fans in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have eagerly lined up in pink versions of the traditional abaya, the all-covering robe, to watch the hit Barbie movie.
While Bahrain has welcomed Barbie to its screens, the doll’s presence has been banned in Kuwait and remains unreleased in Qatar and Oman. The broader Middle East has also witnessed bans in Algeria and Lebanon.
Greta Gerwig, a feminist filmmaker, created a tongue-in-cheek movie that includes no explicit LGBTQ references but subtly addresses themes of diversity and inclusion. Notably, the film features a transgender actor.
In Dubai, cinemas have embraced the Barbie theme, decorating their venues with memorabilia and installing photo booths shaped like doll boxes. The film’s impact on the region reflects the evolving perspectives on gender and representation in traditionally conservative settings.
