Saudi Arabia religious police forbid sale of red roses -Valentines Day/Qatar
Mariam Al Hakeem; 14/2/08
Despite the fact the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (CPVPV), or the Religious Police, has banned the sale of red roses, often sold on Valentine’s Day, which falls today, many Saudis differ as to whether it is appropriate to celebrate the occasion. The Commission has wide authority including arrest and flogging. The Saudi Gazette reported that CPVPV squads have ordered florists and gift shop owners in Riyadh to remove any items coloured scarlet, which is widely seen as symbolising love.
See: http://www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi_arabia/10189441.html
Celebrations on the rise despite scholar’s warning
Barbara Bibbo’; 14/2/08
Couples are gearing up to celebrate Valentine’s Day today with romantic dinners and gifts amid warnings by Muslim scholars against what they define as “dangerous pagan practices”.Qatari restaurants are offering special Valentine dinner menus and a romantic atmosphere tonight, while major hotels have organised live entertainment, raffles and parties reserved for couples only. Florists have been working frantically for the past week to accommodate special orders to be delivered today.
See: http://www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/qatar/10189440.html