A Saudi restaurant's National Day ad came under fire on social media over the weekend for featuring unveiled women.
In Maestro Pizza's TV spot, an all-women cast can be seen singing a song dedicated to the kingdom. The decision to focus on women in the clip makes sense, especially because it comes during a triumphant year for female members of Saudi society.
However, it hasn't gone down too well with many in the country. To some, women singing and appearing unveiled in public is deemed unacceptable.
It all started when a Saudi restaurant posted this Saudi National Day ad...
Instead of being moved by it, thousands of angered Saudis have since taken to social media accusing the ad of misrepresenting the kingdom's "modest", women.
Some even went as far as calling on people to boycott Maestro Pizza over the matter. However, not everyone understood the backlash and many defended the ad, pointing out that the reaction to it was just completely blown out of proportion.
Many thought the ad goes against Saudi values...
"80 percent of our women wear the face veil and are modest, this is a blessing from God. You (Maestro Pizza) now come and wrongly portray our people, why? You featured women wearing 'gilbabs', you can't even call them abayas (floor-length garments), just to make a profit!! Some people and companies are willing to do everything for money."
Others attacked the clip...
"A tasteless ad that degrades women in general and Saudi women in specific. When did our women become commodities, ad models, and immodest singers???"
Some even decided to boycott the restaurant over it...
"I deleted their app and from now on, it dishonors me to order their food."
However, thousands were completely shocked by all the backlash...
"What's the reason behind the boycott? Nothing, but they posted a National Day ad featuring a group of unveiled Saudi women singing for our country."