'Nude' circus performance sparks anger in conservative Saudi Arabia

Footage of scantily clad circus entertainers performing in Saudi Arabia on during the Eid al-Fitr holiday has sparked controversy in the ultra conservative kingdom.

A video of women performers dressed in skin tight outfits at a Russian circus show on Friday in the capital Riyadh has gained traction on social media, with many criticising authorities for allowing the attire.

The show was organised by the country's general entertainment authority, which has recently been attempting to encourage people to spend more of their leisure time inside the kingdom.

Twitter users have complained about the show using the Arabic-language hashtag #NakedRussianWomenInRiyadh.

"This show goes against Saudi traditions and morals. The organisers who brought these Russians must be held accountable," said one user.

Others users slammed the kingdom's powerful crown prince Mohammed bin Salman for "liberalising" Saudi society.

Prince Mohammed has been leading a modernisation drive in the country.

The reforms have ended decades-long bans on women driving and cinemas and allowed mixed-gender concerts, sidelining hardliners who were once the traditional backers of the royal family.

It was recently reported that many of these reforms were recommended by consultants hired by the authorities as part of the crown prince's efforts to gain legitimacy with young Saudis.

In tandem with reforms, Prince Mohammed has pursued a sweeping crackdown on dissent recently arresting several women driving activists, some of whom have been labelled "traitors" by state-backed media.

In April, Saudi sports officials apologised after images of scantily clad women appeared on big screens during a pro-wrestling event held in the kingdom.