Saudi Arabian Singer Arrested For Dabbing

A Saudi Arabian singer was arrested Tuesday for performing the illegal "dab" dance move at a concert, reported Saudi daily newspaper Okaz Tuesday.

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Singer Abdallah Al Shaharani participated in a music festival in the city of Taif over the weekend. In the widely circulated video of his concert, he was shown putting down his microphone to inspire audience participation. He then dabbed.

The dab dance move was outlawed in Saudi Arabia by the National Committee for Drug Control because it is perceived to promote drug and narcotics culture. The committee ruled that it references marijuana and other illegal substances.

Secretary-General of the National Committee for Drug Control Abdul-Ella Al Sharif said Shaharani’s dab was "contrary to the national strategy to combat drugs" and the arrest was on the same grounds as for someone who "incites or advocates for abuse of drugs."

The dance move was popularized in 2014 when American rapper Skippa da Flippa dabbed in the video "How Fast Can You Count It." The dance move is performed when a person drops their head into their bent, slanted arm, while raising their other arm in a parallel direction out straight. After the dance move emerged, it became an internet phenomenon performed by notable figures including Hillary Clinton and Paul Ryan.

Shaharani tweeted an apology Sunday for breaking the law.

"I apologize to our respected government and to my audience for unintentionally and spontaneously making the dance move at Taif festival. Please accept my apology."

Social media reacted strongly to his dabbing, with some users agreeing with his decision to dab, while others criticized it.

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"Even though the anti-drug authority banned ths move and warned people not to perform it, this contestant is promoting it at a public festival!!! Does he think he's challenging authorities with these actions?"

"This move has an obvious negative influence on people, no matter what his explanation is, it's unacceptable."

"This was just a spontaneous move, he has since apologized to the country's people and government and you're still holding it against him?"

Shaharini is not the only artist who has dabbed in Saudi Arabia. Rabeh Sager, another Saudi singer, previously dabbed during his performances.