Academics have criticized the absence of creativity in the environment of Saudi universities. They pointed out that university environments have no real attractions for students and called for a review and re-evaluation of the current academic atmosphere to suit the requirements of the modern age and to benefit from the experience of other universities.

Recently, a hash tag set up by faculty members of higher educational institutes was launched on Twitter under the title, “Are university environments attractive?”

Dr. Jawzaa’ Al-Isaimi said that the reason for the lack of attraction is due to random appointments to scientific cadres. “Leaders in this emerging field need to focus more on intellectual and professional development,” she added.

“The absence of entertainment facilities in local universities compels students to resort to facilities outside universities,” said Dr. Mohammad Al-Hamrani. He added that officials paid more attention to the construction of infrastructure and overlooked the teachers and students who use this infrastructure.

“Respect for the student is an important factor in a university environment because he is the future of the country,” said Dr. Hassan Al-Naami. He was joined by Dr. Rahaf Al-Harbi who said that “The university environment is not at all attractive and the academic cadre is arrogant and stubborn.”

Dr. Ahmad Al-Halaibi said universities should provide a complete and comfortable environment that has educational, scientific and entertainment facilities. “These factors will provide an attractive educational environment,” he added.

Dr. Mohammad Al-Zahrani talked about utilizing workers in the educational environment, because universities have become attractive environments for people with weak characters who put their personal interests before the interest of the educational process.

Dr. Liala Za’zou’ discussed the absence of the basic attraction factors that are represented in restaurants that provide healthy food. “University environments become more attractive when the student gets out of his lecture room to find a decent restaurant, like in other global universities,” she said.

Many students participated in the hash tag and confirmed the absence of an attractive social environment that encourages creativity and innovation in local universities.

Students said there are many reasons for the absence of attractive factors, such as neglecting maintenance, and littering. Meanwhile others said the lack of modern entertainment is one of the important factors for the absence of an attractive university environment.