"
"
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation of its national identity that is becoming less anchored to religion, as evidenced by recent developments. One of these is the New Mukaab, which is a commercial building that resembles the Kaaba, Islam’s most sacred site in Mecca. It will be 400 meters high, wide, and long and will house entertainment options, hotels, and restaurants. Another is the introduction of new national holidays, such as the new National Flag day, which was announced as a holiday for March 11. Furthermore, the kingdom’s founding date has been changed from 1744 to 1727, which downplays the role of religion in the state’s birth. The introduction of these changes has not resulted in significant opposition from the population of about 36 million, and the government seeks to modernize the country while remaining the only agent of change. Political activism is discouraged, and critics of the state are depicted as traitors of the nation. Despite these restrictions, the Saudi government seeks to modernize the country by granting women more rights, reopening cinemas, and abolishing the morality police, among other initiatives.
