Marriages in the Kingdom are expensive and it is often the case that many bachelors cannot afford to get married, this is particularly the case with those from low-income families.

This problem is further exasperated by the fact that the families of prospective brides have a tendency to ask for high dowries for their daughters’ hands in marriage. As a result, according to a survey by the Ministry of Finance and Planning’s Central Department of Statistics and Information in 2007, one in every 16 Saudi woman is single.

It is because of this that mass marriages are being organized across the Kingdom and many young people see them as a way out of the conundrum of remaining single.

With the summer holidays currently underway, charity organizations, government bodies and prominent businessmen are organizing mass marriages.

Some 500 couples are expected to get married at a mass marriage in Jeddah alone that is to be held for the 11th time and under the auspices of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

A similar marriage event in Al-Hassa, located in the Eastern Province, is the largest of its kind in the Kingdom.

The Al-Hassa Marriage Festival boasts at being a pioneer in this field and has been the venue for thousands of marriages. The event has also been taking place over the last two decades.

A large number of unmarried young men and wommen as well as their families pin their hopes on the Al-Hassa Marriage Festival, which has become one of the region’s most popular social events.

There are several charities, government bodies, private organizations, donors and volunteers who all come together to make the event a success, Al-Riyadh newspaper reported.

Fatima Al-Saleh is eagerly waiting for the event, which she hopes will bring a difference to her life.

“My elder sisters all got married at past Al-Hassa Marriage Festivals. I’m extremely happy to follow suit. My marriage has been fixed at this year’s event,” she said, adding that the event is a huge blessing as both her family and that of her fiancee are not financially well to do.

Another soon-to-be-married young woman, Sara Al-Abdul Latief, said she is also impatiently waiting for the event.

“My husband is from a low-income family. The festival gives us extreme joy as it enables us to invite our relatives and friends. The wedding isn’t simply a party but a massive festival,” she added.

Mariam Al-Rabie and her friend Sajida said they are lost for words at being given the opportunity to get married at the event. After praising god, they thanked everyone who has been working to make the event a success and help them see their dreams of getting married materialize.

Umm Muhammad Ali and Umm Saeed both expressed happiness that their sons will be able to get married at the event.

Both their families are financially restricted and have found it difficult to raise money for their sons to get married.