Boy, 14, arrested in Saudi for 'improper public behaviour' by dancing to Macarena in street

Saudi police have released a 14-year-old boy who was arrested after footage emerged of him dancing the Macarena in the street at a busy intersection.

The footage was taken filmed some time ago but went viral this week, prompting police in the conservative kingdom to detain the teenager.

The interior ministry said the teen was released without charge after he and his guardian were questioned about his "improper public behaviour" by officers.

"They signed a written pledge that the teen will not engage in behavior that could endanger his life and the life of others again," the ministry said.

"The notification was solely intended to warn the boy about potential consequences for his own safety, as well as to safeguard the overall safety of motorists and pedestrians."

In a 45-second video clip, shared widely on social media, the boy stops halfway across the road and starts the well-known dance routine.

The footage was first posted last year, but his arrest was reported on Monday.

Some said the boy was a "legend" and "hero", while others apparently agreed with the Saudi authorities, stating that he behaviour was "immoral".

Earlier this month, a singer was arrested in the religiously conservative Islamic kingdom for using the 'dab' move in an onstage dance.

Abdallah al-Shahani performed the dance at a music festival in the city of Taif in southwestern Saudi Arabia.

The dance had been banned in the Kingdom by the National Committee for Drug Control, on the grounds that it advocated or encouraged drug abuse, according to Saudi media.

A young woman was arrested last month after footage emerged of her wearing a miniskirt and crop top at an archaeological site.

The unnamed woman was detained by Saudi Arabia’s vice and virtue police on charges of wearing “indecent clothing”.