Republished with full copyright permissions from The Washington Daily Chronicle.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently granted approval for the release of the highly anticipated “Barbie” movie. The film, starring renowned actors Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, had faced a delay of over a month due to potential content issues. With the inclusion of a transgender actress and themes surrounding LGBTQ+ matters, the movie has prompted discussions in Arab nations, where religious beliefs often clash with such portrayals.

The UAE Media Council confirmed on Thursday that the necessary procedures for content review and age classification have been completed to align with the country’s media content standards. Although the council did not elaborate on the specific reasons for the screening delay, similar delays have been observed in other Arab nations.

The inclusion of a transgender actress and the exploration of LGBTQ+ issues in the movie’s storyline have raised concerns in Arab countries with Muslim majorities. In Islam, homosexuality and transgender identity are typically viewed as inconsistent with religious teachings, causing deliberate contemplation over the acceptability of such content.

“Barbie” stars Margot Robbie in the titular role of the iconic doll, while Ryan Gosling portrays her partner Ken. Notably, Hari Nef, a transgender actress hailing from Philadelphia, joins the cast as one of the Barbies. The diverse range of actors brings a fresh perspective to the characters, amplifying the inclusivity sought by the film.

Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., the production company behind the movie, has chosen not to comment on the situation. Meanwhile, Majid Al Futtaim, the Middle East distributor of Warner Bros. movies, could not be reached for an official statement.

This is not the first time that Arab countries, including the UAE, have faced challenges regarding content that touches on LGBTQ+ representation. In an incident last year, the release of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” faced delays and eventual bans due to a transgender reference that the studios refused to censor.

The approval of the “Barbie” movie by the UAE Media Council signals a willingness to engage with diverse storytelling, even amid potential content controversies. As Arab nations grapple with the delicate balance between respecting religious beliefs and promoting inclusivity, this movie’s release will likely spark debates and discussions regarding societal norms and evolving perspectives in the region.