JEDDAH: The weeklong school vacation, which began on Saturday, has drawn large crowds of visitors to Jeddah with people coming to enjoy the city’s urban attractions, beaches and malls.
“Hotels, furnished apartments and rest houses are full with guests,” said one hotelier.
Ali Al-Ghamdi, owner of a number of beach cabins in Obhur, said the price of housing units has increased by more than 20 percent compared to the usual weekend price.
Muhannad Al-Qathmi, a receptionist at a tourist resort, warned visitors not to leave their bags and other belongings in cars, as they may get stolen.
As part of the holiday, malls are holding special entertainment programs for shoppers. These include special play areas, toys and puppet shows for children and quizzes for customers.
“The malls have gone so far in luring customers that they have invited radio stations and satellite channels to send reporters to interview shoppers,” said a security supervisor.
The city’s beaches have been especially busy with visitors swimming, fishing and indulging in other water activities. This is especially the case at Obhur.
Faisal Al-Qathmi, who owns a firm that rents out boats and jet skis, said rental prices have not decreased during the work week because of the high demand.
Col. Sabti Al-Sabti, an employee at the Directorate General of Civil Defense, called on service providers to ensure air-conditioning units on their premises are properly maintained as the city is getting hotter.
in the city.
The study cautioned visitors to pay proper attention to guidelines when they go swimming to avoid accidents. It urged pool owners to provide ladders, life vests, metal poles and other apparatus to help prevent drowning accidents.
The study said the edges of the pool should be smooth and not sharp, and that the area around it should not be slippery. The study also cautioned holidaymakers traveling by car to ensure their vehicles are well maintained and that they drink enough water.
