GREETINGS FROM Sharm El Sheikh. Now before anyone gets the mistaken idea that this is a travel advisory column, let me reassure them that it is not.
On one of my rare forays into an Arab land other than my country of residence, I must say that I am impressed.
No, not because of its beaches, marine or coral life. The topography here is not unlike the northern shores along our coast. No, it is for its simplicity that my impressions have taken a good turn.
From a quaint little airport to a bay littered with 5-star hotels, Sharm El Sheikh is an example of what can happen when a country focuses its resources positively. Geared to tourists of all ages, colors, and beliefs, this place offers a multitude of entertainment to a broad spectrum of tourists who have swelled in numbers in recent times.
And the Saudis whom I have run across seem to take this in approving stride, their guard relaxed as they and their families enjoy the various tourist attractions.
The offerings of Sharm El Sheikh should not be so contradictory to our way of life. From the friendliness of the provincial Immigration officers to the ebullient humor of the hotel staff, it is often easy to forget that you are in a different country. And it doesn’t cost us or them anything. And yet these very people share our language and our religion!
This then gives rise to the question as to why cannot we have something similar along our shores. Why do I have to get on a jet and go somewhere else to enjoy something that I can get to in a good day’s drive?
Is it our culture, our beliefs, or plain ignorance? Or is it simply greed gone unchecked that has allowed most of this prime property to be privatized along a fast disappearing coast. Is it the intimidation of being scrutinized in public places with intrusive or often rude stares that forces so many of us to pack our bags and jet off to distant lands, while we could partake of similar beauty in our backyard?
Is it that anything worthwhile seeing in their own country has been overpriced beyond the budget of most Saudis, as avaricious developers force the prices upwards to no end?
Our Ministry of Tourism must ask itself why on a given day most Saudis choose to travel outside their country to enjoy their holidays? Why this mass exodus and often to places not very dissimilar to our own? And to attractions that are not contradictory to our beliefs?
Massive projects without the courteous and efficient service that should go hand in hand are often the reason. Not to mention the arm and a leg that you would have to hock just to pay for it!
In the meantime, my diving instructor impatiently awaits. Until next week then.
— Tariq A. Al-Maeena, [email protected]