Valentine’s Day has vague origins dating back to Roman times, when several Christian martyrs were named Valentine. The celebration for lovers, marked widely around the world, was firmly off-limits in the ultraconservative kingdom which would only mark Muslim holidays and its September national day. But Saudi Arabia has been undergoing social change as it attempts to present a more appealing image and diversify its oil-dependent economy. Just two years ago in Saudi Arabia, shops were banned from selling red roses and teddy bears for Valentine’s Day. Celebrating lovers’ day was illegal as the Christian holiday was deemed “un-Islamic. This week, a Saudi newspaper published a Valentine’s Day dining guide and flower shops have been busy booking orders for romantic bouquets.
