The present economic and social reality resulted from the boom years of the late 1970s and early 1980s when the whole country experienced a massive transformation that changed people’s lives forever.
It is natural for us to have certain characteristics that are shared by other people of the Gulf but not found elsewhere. I am not one of those who accept what has come to be known as the “special status” of Saudi and Gulf people. However, I must admit that such things do exist in our lives and they make us different from others in terms of the problems we face.
I do not mean to say that this situation has had a positive impact on us or that we are distinct from others because we enjoy certain advantages and privileges that others lack. On the contrary, this situation has now become an impediment to our development and progress.
What I mean to say is that our problems are different from those of other societies and for this reason we need to develop national policies that address these distinct problems instead of copying the solutions of others.
We attend international conferences and forums and read studies whose recommendations may not necessarily apply to us and our needs. For this reason, solutions meant to address our problems must take into consideration the characteristics of our society. In other words, we must be cautious and never rush to apply solutions that, though successful in other societies, may not suit us.
In most countries of the world, small businesses play a major role in providing jobs for the local population. Despite being small, their sheer numbers provide employment for a broad group of the population. This is the situation in America as it is in Africa.
But, what do we find when speaking about the role of small business in the Kingdom and other Gulf states? This is a sector mainly run, and clandestinely owned, by foreigners who use Saudi names. What the Saudi gets is a certain sum of money for agreeing that his name be used by the person who runs the show. This is so common that it has come to be known as the commercial cover-up practice. The name of the Saudi is written on the sign while his picture hangs inside — but the actual benefit goes elsewhere. It is thus no surprise that small businesses in the Kingdom have helped block the way to ambitious Saudi youths looking for work.
Enthusiastic young people who want to try their luck in the job market soon have their enthusiasm fade as they finally succumb to unjust competition from foreigners protected by Saudis.
