TAIF, 9 February 2007 — In spite of efforts to nationalize certain trades many Saudi youngsters are reluctant to become barbers, a trade that among many others is looked down upon in Saudi society.
“I would never cut hair. It’s an unsuitable trade among Saudis. People who cut hair are looked down upon in society,” said Yasser, a Saudi youth. “A father would prefer marrying his daughter to an unemployed man rather than a barber.”
Muhammed Al-Gahrey disagrees with Yasser and says that he would work as a barber. “The community would just have to accept it. For instance, look at the Saudi youth who took training in how to cut hair and practiced their trade at Mina during the Haj this year,” said Al-Gahrey.
“They were able to successfully break the stigma surrounding this trade. If young Saudis continue this type of work then the wider community will gradually change its view on things. Unemployment will also decrease,” he added.
Saudi hairdresser Abou Bashar Nadeem, who owns a barbershop in Taif, says that people need training in order to cut hair.
“I am training my own son at the moment who will take over this business. It’s a very rewarding job because nowadays barbers don’t just cut hair but also carry out skin treatment, massages and full beauty preparation for grooms,” he said.
The General Organization of Technical Education and Vocational Training is the agency providing training in various trades and has a program in hairdressing in Makkah. Dozens of youngsters have undergone training and taken up work in Makkah during the Haj season.
Dr. Ali Ben Saad Al-Asemy, the dean of a technical college in Taif and the head of the General Organization of Technical Education and Vocational Training in the region, said, “We haven’t repeated these courses elsewhere because there is very little demand for them. There are 13 other trades that the youth are interested in and for which there is a market demand.”
He added, “There is a comprehensive awareness program about these crafts and their importance. Effort needs to be carried out among children to make them aware of the importance of learning these trades. The entire perception needs to change.”
