Saudi Gazette report DAMMAM — A number of owners of beauty salons in Dammam applied to the General Presidency of Youth Welfare (GPYW) for licenses to open gyms inside their salons. They were reacting to reports on social networking sites that the Interior Ministry has approved procedures to issue licenses for women's gyms. It was impossible in the past for the owners of such salons to open a section inside their salons where they could provide relaxation massage, sauna and other workout equipment. Nora Al-Dhwaihi, who owns a salon in Dammam, said herself and a few women went to the Dammam Mayoralty and the GPYW to inquire about licenses. “We learned from the Internet that beauty salon owners could apply for such licenses but they need to meet certain requirements regarding the area of the location and the location itself,” Al-Dhwaihi. She believes that such step will open the door for many female investors to expand their business. However, Al-Dhwaihi and other owners have not been given any assurances that they could apply for such licenses now. They have now sent letters to the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs requesting clarifications on this issue. The owners agreed that once licenses have been issued, they will be able to work without concern. Many owners had been fined for failure to comply with the requirements that ban the use of sports equipment and massage services in salons. Approval will also increase the number of female investors in this industry.
