Saudi Arabian Singer Arrested For Dabbing During Concert

A Saudi Arabian singer and TV host has been arrested for dabbing during a concert in the conservative country.

Abdallah Al Shahani was performing the dance move at a music festival in the city of Taif in south-west Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

He was arrested last weekend after video footage of him dabbing emerged online, according to the BBC.

Dabbing, which involves a person pointing one arm upwards while dropping their head into the bent crook of their other arm, is illegal in Saudi Arabia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8M9JBy_EY0

The Saudi Interior Ministry’s National Commission for Combating Drugs banned the dance move because they consider it to refer to marijuana use.

A poster published by the ministry warns ‘people about the dangers of this [move] on the youth and society, and is warning against imitating’.

It is not known if Al Shahani has been charged over the offence although the singer has since apologised.

He tweeted in Arabic that the whole incident was an accident: ‘I apologise to our respected government and to my audience for unintentionally and spontaneously making the dance move at Taif festival. Please accept my apology.’

The global craze, which has been embraced by celebs, politicians and royals, is believed to have started in Atlanta.

There’s been some debate as to who was the first person to start the trend, although Migos, Skippa Da Flippa and PeeWee Longway have all been given credit.