Saudi preacher 'backtracks' in new 'clarification video' to MBS

A Saudi preacher posted a new video Thursday backtracking on comments he made in a previous video where he was giving advice to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and one of his top advisers.

"Some people may have misunderstood what I mentioned in my previous words and clip," Emad Al-Mobayad said, reading from a piece of paper in front of him.

"I would like to clarify and affirm that our country, its leadership, and its people are enjoying great prosperity, security and safety, and development. May God perpetuate goodness for our country and protect it from all harm," he says.

توضيح لما فُهم من الفيديو السابق، وحفظ الله بلادنا من كل مكروه. pic.twitter.com/D0621NeUK2

— عماد المبيّض (@emadmabyydh) March 2, 2023

Over one million people viewed the 49-second video which he posted to his Twitter page, where he has over 11,000 followers.

In a video the day before his apology, Al-Mbayyad spoke of Saudi Arabia’s "gradual abandonment of its religious identity", a controversial issue in the kingdom as Saudi's leadership looks to "modernise" the country.

Some activists claimed he was arrested and being kept in custody, where he was forced to film the "clarification video". The New Arab could not confirm these claims.

Al-Mbayyad’s initial video was considered by many to be critical of the crown prince and adviser to the Royal Court, Turki Al Al-Sheikh.

Al-Sheikh is ranked as a minister and the current Chairman of the General Authority for Entertainment in Saudi Arabia, which has spearheaded social changes in the kingdom, including once-banned pop concerts and other performances.

"Fear God in the affairs of this country, and fix what is happening in it of obliteration of the Islamic faith, and its replacement with other identities," he said in the video.

"This country was established on the basis of faith and the establishment and application of the religion of God Almighty, and what is happening today is contrary to what the country was founded on."

أنا المواطن عماد المبيّض.. أوجه نصيحتي لمقام خادم الحرمين الشريفين وولي عهده الأمين والمستشار تركي آل الشيخ، وأسأل الله التوفيق. pic.twitter.com/ZeoV6fsaoU

— عماد المبيّض (@emadmabyydh) March 1, 2023

Saudi Arabia has for years now been easing decades-long restrictions on entertainment, as part of efforts to improve its image and attract tourists.

The ultra-conservative kingdom has hosted international musicians for concerts that were unimaginable in the conservative country before 2018.

It now allows women to drive cars and trains, and there have been reports that it will even allow alcohol in designated places, despite denials from Saudi officials.

The new rules have angered many conservative Muslims in the country who argue this sort of progress defies Islamic law.