JEDDAH, 2 August 2003 — The name “Jeddah Festival” might suggest that the event is open to all to enjoy. But the reality is that a very substantial part of Saudis and visitors are excluded. The result is that tourists and locals are resentful, revenue is lost, and the reputation Saudi Arabia is trying to establish as a tourist destination for gulf tourists is damaged.
“Most of the interesting activities are for families only. When I went with my friend to Jungle Land to take part in some of the activities advertised on TV and in newspapers, we were banned from entering. In order to enter, I had to go with my family. What would happen to someone if he came to Jeddah alone?” asked Hussein Al-Yami from Jeddah.
Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi, from Taif, did just that. “As a single man, I have to say there is nothing I can do here in Jeddah: Everything is designed for families only,” he said.
“When I want to go to some of the events of the Jeddah festival, I am reminded by security guards that activities exclude singles. The only thing I was able to see at the festival was the fireworks.”
“Because singles like me are ignored, the festival means nothing to me. Instead, I travel abroad where I can get some respect and enjoy myself,” he added.
“I am very surprised at the type of festival you have in Jeddah. It is a festival that ignores a large portion of society,” said Ali Al-Khaldi, who had come on his own from Kuwait.
“I went to Home Plaza in Prince Sultan Street, and I was stopped from entering simply because I was single. We have festivals back in Kuwait and they are open for everybody. I do not know how young Saudis spend their free time if all activities are families-only.”
“At least young people should have some clubs open for them,” he said, commenting on the lack of organized activities for young people. “I did not enjoy any activities here in Jeddah, and I don’t think they should go for a repeat performance next year,” he said.
