Saudi Arabia: Reforms and repression continue hand-in-hand

A decision to allow shops to stay open around the clock has sparked confusion over what that means for prayer times. Following a cabinet meeting on 16 July, the government said businesses would now be able to chose their own opening hours, leading some to speculate that shops would be allowed to stay open during prayers. This is a reform that many retailers have been seeking, given the inefficiencies created by having to pull down the shutters several times a day.