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Saudi Arabia's sports authorities have closed a women-only gym after a promotional video showing a woman exercising in tight-fitting clothing appeared online.

Saudi sports authority chief Turki al-Sheikh announced the suspension of the gym's license on Twitter, tweeting: "We are not going to tolerate this."

Sheikh, who has close ties to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ordered officials to investigate and prosecute those behind the video at the gym in in the capital of Riyadh, according to reports.

The video, shot and uploaded by Kuwaiti social media guru and TV presenter Halima Boland, contained footage which could 'corrupt public morals', according to the sports authority.

It shows a woman in a tank top and tight pants with her hair uncovered.

She punches at the camera and shows off the gym's equipment and facilities.

Many took to Twitter to voice their disapproval, stepfeed reports.

One posted: "May God protect us from evil."

Another added: "I don't know how she (Boland), has the Kuwaiti nationality, she's thick and fake with tons of makeup."

Meanwhile Halima Boland responded: "I will officially file a lawsuit against all those who disrespect me and I have full faith in the judiciary of Saudi Arabia."

Saudi Arabia has some of the world's toughest restrictions on women, with a requirement to wear robes which hide their body when in public.

A drive towards liberalisation has made headway with women due to be allowed to drive from June.

Meanwhile the government is moving towards encouraging more women to participate in sports after a ban was lifted in 2014.

The gym was closed on Friday, April 20.