US rapper Cardi B has sparked widespread online discussion after performing in Saudi Arabia and publicly praising the kingdom in a series of social media videos that quickly went viral.
The Grammy-winning artist took the stage in the early hours of Sunday as a headline performer at Riyadh’s MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival, one of the Middle East’s largest music events. Her appearance drew global attention, both for her performance and for her enthusiastic remarks about the country.
In videos shared on Instagram, Cardi B described Saudi Arabia as modern and strikingly new, saying the country looked as if it had “just opened yesterday.” The remarks were widely reshared across social platforms.
During her performance, the rapper greeted the audience with “Salam alaikum” and later praised the environment, saying, “Everything is mashallah,” a common Arabic expression meaning “God has willed it.” The comments resonated with local fans and contributed to her trending status in the region.
Cardi B interacting with the crowd & performing Finesse remix at Riyadh’s Soundstorm Festival in Saudi Arabia.🖤🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/dvb9gRorF8
— ໊ (@BardisMedia) December 13, 2025Known for her explicit lyrics and provocative performances, Cardi B adopted a noticeably more restrained tone during her Saudi appearance. She avoided her most graphic language and wore a flowing outfit that covered her from neck to toe, marking a clear departure from her usual stage attire.
In the days leading up to the concert, she shared videos from luxury shopping malls in Riyadh, appeared wearing a hijab, and praised the city’s opulence. She also encouraged fans to visit Saudi Arabia, describing it as a unique vacation destination, while joking about the country’s ban on alcohol.
The queen has arrived! 👏 Cardi B is having the best time in the Kingdom, stepping out in a fierce abaya for some serious retail therapy at Solitaire Mall!
She's even giving Saudi Arabia her full endorsement and raving about the culture and hospitality! ❤️
📸 via… pic.twitter.com/I8W7zyOXcj
— Lovin Riyadh | لوڤن الرياض (@lovinriyadh) December 13, 2025Cardi B’s appearance comes amid Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to rebrand its global image as part of its ambitious economic reform agenda. The kingdom has invested heavily in entertainment, sports and cultural events to attract tourism and diversify its economy beyond oil.
In recent years, major international stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion and Eminem have also performed in the country, underscoring the scale of Saudi Arabia’s push to become a global entertainment hub.
While high-profile performances have boosted Saudi Arabia’s cultural visibility, critics argue that celebrities often overlook human rights concerns in exchange for lucrative deals. Similar debates surfaced earlier this year during the Riyadh Comedy Festival, when performers known for championing free speech faced backlash for appearing in the kingdom.
