JEDDAH — Fans of Saudi YouTube stars were able to get the chance to meet their idols at a booth at the ongoing Youth Exhibition in Jeddah. Throughout the event young Saudis who use the video-sharing site to discuss different national issues are giving their fans the chance to meet them face-to-face. The crowded booth looked like the Saudi version of Hollywood, with a red carpet where these young actors and stand-up comedians were seen posing and taking photos. Fans also had the opportunity to write their thoughts on a wall on the side of the booth. Moayed Al-Thaqafi, a star of the YouTube channel UTURN Entertainment and an actor on the series Takki, believes those who use the video-sharing site have become popular among the public as they discuss the daily worries, issues and concerns of the public. He added: “Social media makes us closer to our audience and gives us the ability to interact and exchange ideas with them with no restrictions and this is what makes us popular. “We can see that we are more known and popular now. People always want to be where we are, and they look forward to taking photos with us. “My dream for a long time was to be an actor and here we are, it is coming true.” The production values of different channels on YouTube and other social media are increasing, added Al-Thaqafi, who is a doctor but acts as a hobby. “Some of us are now professionals in this domain while others are still treating it as a hobby.” According to him, dedicated YouTube channels have become popular not only in the Kingdom but also in other Gulf countries as they share the same culture and traditions. “These clips provide a great opportunity for us to introduce our culture outside our borders and this is what successful people should do.” The main challenges he faced when shooting his videos were finding the money and dealing with government restrictions. “Now, however, it is easier to get permission to make videos and we have cooperated with the Ministry of Interior, who have made it easier for us.” The new trend of Saudis turning to YouTube to discuss social issues has enabled many of the channel owners to generate income through advertisers. However, after one of the YouTube channels was criticized for using advertising in a way that proved unappealing to viewers, Al-Thaqafi said channel owners have had to be more careful. “We will not be dictated by the advertisers. From now on we will be firm and advertisers who do not agree with our policies will not be welcome to advertise on our channels.” Discussing the involvement of women in producing these channels, he said: “We have women working with us who help in directing, cinematography and acting. “We work together and there is no gender segregation in our work.” The booth was crowded with fans of different ages, some of them young children but most of them young adults. Among the girls who were at the booth waiting to take a photo with Al-Thaqafi was Farah, a high school student who explained that she wanted a permanent memento of her meeting her idol. She added: “I like the way he acts and the issues he discusses. He really represents us youth.” The booth also provided an opportunity for young budding photographers such as Mohammad Hassan. He said: “The crowded places are what attract me more, especially when I see natural scenes of interaction. This is a perfect spot for me to take photos.”
