JEDDAH: A large number of young men are not being able to get married because of steep house rents, a poll conducted by the Charitable Society for Marriage and Family Guidance in Jeddah has found.

Of those who responded to the poll, 93 percent complained of the high rents, especially young men, local media has reported.

Ahmed Sultan Al-Omari, the president of society said that assistance is provided to young men and women who want to get married. They are also helped in building a good family life and made aware of the methods to cut down on costs. Other programs include awareness in choosing the right partner. he said.

Al-Omairi said the private sector should help with marriage and ease their costs. "Charitable societies for marriage and family guidance cannot alleviate these burdens alone. All sectors should chip in, especially when marriage costs become an obstacle for youths."

He pointed out that Islam urges early marriage and that society should help young couples in getting married, which keeps youngsters away from danger, sedition and corruption.