Women In Pink Watch 'Barbie' In Dubai, Saudi Arabia Amid Ban In Many Gulf Nations

In UAE and Saudi Arabia -- which did not allow women driving or cinemas until 2018 -- fans have queued up in pink versions of the abaya, the traditional all-covering robe, to see the hit movie.

After being banned in some Arab countries, the film "Barbie" is dividing audiences in the conservative Gulf.

In the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia -- which did not allow women driving or cinemas until 2018 -- fans have queued up in pink versions of the abaya, the traditional all-covering robe, to see the hit movie.

But not everyone is comfortable with the celebration of female emancipation in a region where attitudes towards women's empowerment are only slowly changing.