JEDDAH: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal had an open and transparent dialogue with more than 1,500 young Saudi men and women at the conclusion of the Jeddah Economic Forum here on Tuesday. The two-hour talk was described as the most attractive and impressive event at the four-day forum.

During the meeting, Prince Khaled said he would like to meet with the youth on the first Monday of every month to discuss their problems and aspirations. “I want to hear not only their observations but also their viewpoints and proposals regarding various issues that concern their future,” he said.

Speaking about the government’s efforts to fight corruption, the governor said: “We have been able to retrieve 280 million square meters of land from those who have occupied it illegally and valued it at SR80 billion. We’ll give part of this land for implementing projects for the youth and government departments.”

He also disclosed plans to establish cultural, social and sports clubs for both men and women in various residential districts of the region. He said a voluntary association for the youth has been established in Makkah, which would help young Saudi men and women provide assistance at times of crises and catastrophes.

“We have approved the association and will start work within the next few weeks. It will work throughout the year to provide various services, not only during catastrophes,” the prince said.

Prince Khaled emphasized the need for an advanced public transport system for the Makkah province. “We have already prepared a public transport system for Jeddah that will be implemented shortly. We are now working on a similar plan for Makkah,” he added.

He said the development of underdeveloped areas in Jeddah and Makkah would contribute to reducing the phenomenon of begging in the region. The first phase of the sewage network project would be completed by the end of next year. “Eleven cities in the Makkah region currently receive desalinated water. The remaining two cities will get this water within two years,” he added. He favored the holding of a book fair in Jeddah, but doubted whether it would have the same reputation as the Riyadh fair. Speaking about the royal decree that will give a monthly allowance of SR2,000 to the unemployed, the governor said: “The money is given to those who are seeking jobs and not to the lazy youth who depend on their families, own sports cars and stay late outside.”

During the discussion one young woman asked when she would be able to drive in the Kingdom, drawing rapturous applause from the audience. The prince did not directly reply to her comment but said he agreed all should drive safely in the Kingdom.

When another young woman raised the issue of a son becoming the legal guardian of his own mother, the prince said he was not a faqeeh (religious scholar) and could not answer that question.

The prince addressed a question from a young man asking about a petition signed by 17,000 people calling for reform, saying the government has not received anything of that sort and does not take into consideration such material on the Internet.

He also reiterated that the government had not banned camps for youth while responding to a query whether such activities for young people had been scrapped. He added that if government bodies wanted to take more control, it did not automatically constitute a ban on activities.

Asked whether the youth could get involved in the Shoura Council, he replied it depends on how old they were. “We need your views and we are here to serve you,” he added. He also emphasized the need for development projects in Makkah, saying development starts from the Kaaba. Prince Khaled talked about new development projects in the region, including Al-Qunfuda airport, Al-Laith port and the Rabigh industrial project as well as cultural projects in Taif.

Fahd Saqer, the leader of a student club at King Abdulaziz University, said Prince Khaled’s plan to hold a meeting with the youth every month to discuss their problems and aspirations was a positive thing. “It will have a tremendous impact on the youth and unleash their potentials,” he said.

The two halls for men and women were full, with an estimated 2,000 participants who actively took part in the discussions. Prince Khaled took off his mishlah (cloak) before addressing the youth and the audience.

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