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By Amir Daftari
News Reporter
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Cardi B is gearing up to headline Riyadh’s Soundstorm Festival this Saturday, and she’s signaling that she intends to respect Saudi Arabia’s cultural rules.
During an Instagram Live—a real-time video broadcast on the social media platform—the rapper joked about presenting herself as a “good woman,” poking fun at the strict social codes she will encounter in the kingdom.
Newsweek has contacted Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry for comment.
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Why It Matters
Saudi Arabia has undergone sweeping changes in recent years under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reforms, which aim to diversify the kingdom’s economy beyond oil. Entertainment has become a central focus, with significant investments in concert venues, theme parks, cinemas, and large-scale festivals designed to attract both tourists and international investors. These reforms reflect the kingdom’s attempt to modernize socially while remaining grounded in conservative traditions.
More relaxed social rules, including new allowances for alcohol purchases for certain residents, are part of a broader effort to make Riyadh more business-friendly and globally competitive. These changes illustrate the kingdom’s ongoing push to modernize some aspects of daily life while maintaining core cultural and legal norms.
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What To Know
In her Instagram Live on Wednesday, Cardi B gave fans a detailed, humorous take on how she plans to navigate Saudi’s social codes. She emphasized avoiding alcohol, joking: “I like everything duty free, tax free, discount free. I like gifts. I like shopping. I like everything. I don't like alcohol. I don't like nothing. I don't like none of that…I follow all the rules. I am a good woman.”
She also highlighted her conservative attire, noting: “I'm all covered up. You see? See? Nothing. And if y'all want, I'll put gloves on. And I got socks. You can't even see my ankles.”
Her remarks underscore the delicate balance global performers often maintain between international pop culture and local norms.
Relaxed Alcohol Rules
Her comments come after Saudi Arabia recently eased its strict rules on alcohol, allowing non-Muslim foreign residents with monthly earnings of $13,300 or more to make purchases, according to Bloomberg.
While Saudi citizens remain prohibited from buying alcohol, the change reflects the kingdom’s ongoing push to modernize certain regulations in line with its Vision 2030 economic strategy.
Saudi’s Entertainment Push
The 2030 plan has made entertainment a central pillar of economic diversification. Concerts, music festivals and large-scale cultural events like Soundstorm and MDL Beast aim to attract international audiences while building a tourism and leisure economy.
Authorities also promote time-limited “Seasons” that highlight local culture and encourage investment in venues and infrastructure. Together with relaxed rules for expatriates, these efforts signal the kingdom’s desire to balance modernization with tradition.
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Balancing Reform With Tradition
Even as Saudi Arabia embraces international entertainment and large-scale events, the kingdom continues to uphold conservative social norms. Performers are expected to follow local dress codes, adhere to public behavior standards and respect strict legal guidelines.
Cardi B’s humorous approach to preparing for her performance underscores the careful awareness required for international acts, highlighting the delicate balance between participating in global pop culture and honoring the kingdom’s longstanding traditions.
What Happens Next
Cardi B will headline the final day of Soundstorm, joining an international lineup that includes Post Malone, Swedish House Mafia, Pitbull, Halsey, Lil Yachty, Tyla and Black Coffee.
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