Saudis enjoy a day at the beach - in pictures

  • A floating blow-up water park spells 'Saudi Arabia' in English letters at Pure Beach in King Abdullah Economic City, about 125 kilometres south of Jeddah's city centre, on the Red Sea. All photos: AFP
    A floating blow-up water park spells 'Saudi Arabia' in English letters at Pure Beach in King Abdullah Economic City, about 125 kilometres south of Jeddah's city centre, on the Red Sea. All photos: AFP
  • While tourists have long been able to mingle freely at such parties in and around Jeddah, known as the kingdom's most open-minded city, Saudis were confined to single-sex beaches.
    While tourists have long been able to mingle freely at such parties in and around Jeddah, known as the kingdom's most open-minded city, Saudis were confined to single-sex beaches.
  • Four years into a reform drive aimed at improving the country's image and creating new opportunities for its oil-reliant economy, Saudis are enjoying more freedoms.
    Four years into a reform drive aimed at improving the country's image and creating new opportunities for its oil-reliant economy, Saudis are enjoying more freedoms.
  • Beachgoers play at a floating blow-up water park at Pure Beach in King Abdullah Economic City.
    Beachgoers play at a floating blow-up water park at Pure Beach in King Abdullah Economic City.
  • People swim at Pure Beach in King Abdullah Economic City.
    People swim at Pure Beach in King Abdullah Economic City.
  • People attend a party in the Saudi Red Sea resort of Jeddah.
    People attend a party in the Saudi Red Sea resort of Jeddah.
  • Party-goers can now dance the night away in Jeddah.
    Party-goers can now dance the night away in Jeddah.
  • Both men and women can enjoy the party atmosphere.
    Both men and women can enjoy the party atmosphere.
  • A woman plays with a hula hoop during a party in the Saudi Red Sea resort.
    A woman plays with a hula hoop during a party in the Saudi Red Sea resort.