Dysfunctional or broken down ATMs are becoming a common feature of Jeddah to the annoyance of citizens and expatriates alike.

In a recent interview with Arab News, some Jeddawis said that they were struggling to meet their family’s needs during the Eid Al-Fitr holidays due to a lack of cash. They requested the banks to avoid this problem in future and provide proper maintenance for the machines to ensure a steady cash flow.

Abdullah Al-Sulami said he had to drive long distances to get cash because all the ATMs near his location had broken down. “I really hope this problem won’t be repeated because many people don’t own cars and can’t travel far,” he said.

Ali Shehata, was one of those unable to find a working ATM. “I had to borrow money from a colleague to pay for the Eid expenses and fulfill my responsibilities,” he said.

Bank employees blamed the excessive use of the machines with large numbers of people withdrawing money for the breakdown of ATMs.

Banking expert Talat Hafez said that there are only 60 bank branches which are open throughout the Kingdom. So pressure to withdraw money from the machines increases on the 1,800 ATMs especially during the Eid holidays.

Hafez pointed out that a large number of people also use the machines for paying bills and for other transactions besides cash withdrawals. The ATM usage has increased by 9 percent and the Saudi network for expenditures has registered a 10 percent increase in its clients.

Economist Ghassan Badkouk said: “Most banks are well prepared ahead of Eid vacations with the availability of cash in the machines but some problems occur owing to the high population in the areas.”

He hoped banks will take necessary steps to avoid ATM crashes during the upcoming holidays and other vacations.