More than 20,000 jobs will be available for Saudi youth as security guards in mall parking lots and public markets under a new project launched by a specialized committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Juhani, a security adviser, told Arab News.

“The intensification of security measures has come to the advantage of countless youth, who will be able to grab every available job,” he said.

The project, which is under way, will ensure a substantial increase in employment rates, in addition to enhanced security, he said.

“Still, it is vital that CCTV cameras are installed at these parking lots in order for authorities to intercept cases of robbery and misconduct.”

“The Interior Ministry will benefit from this nationalization scheme, since citizens may be more equipped to look after the security of their own country,” said Al-Juhani.

Mahmoud Rashwan, a member of the National Commercial Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC), said tightening surveillance at private parking facilities will enhance safety and attract more shoppers.

“The new regulation proposing that mall owners allocated parking spots a few meters away a good one in theory, but is difficult to implement since land prices are too high and would cost mall owner millions of riyals, which they would then have to make up by raising the cost of hourly parking,” he said.