RIYADH/TABUK — With the beginning of summer vacation, young men are complaining about lack of suitable recreational activities to utilize their free time. In Riyadh, shopping and recreational festivals are held for women and children, in addition to other activities that are mostly women and children specific. Ibrahim Al-Hazmi, a citizen, said young men are deprived of activities to utilize their summer vacation. He said that all festivals and activities are directed toward women and children, and that young men remain inactive. This has caused many young men to travel abroad to neighboring countries where they can find many activities of their liking. Mohammad Torathi, another citizen, said that even sports clubs activities end by the completion of the sports season. Salman Abdullah said that he does not wish to travel abroad, nor does he look for festivals, but his only wish is for the concerned authorities to activate summer centers and provide various programs. The head of the national tourism committee at the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Faisal Al-Mutlaq, said at present there were no plans to organize any activities for young men. Dr. Sakeh Al-Nassar, consultant at the Ministry of Economy and Planning, said that it is important that social organizations provide a suitable environment for young men, and encourage them to realize an added value to their lives. He said that arts and literature activities are especially important as they are important elements in creating and and cultivating values in young men. He said that young men between the age of 15-24, represent 21 percent of the Kingdom's population, which is higher than international averages. About 80 percent of the Kingdom's population is below the age of 40, statistics compiled in 2010 showed. In Jazan, a number of young men have complained of the lack of suitable places to spend their time. There are no playing grounds where they can practice their sports hobbies. Some investors have readied some playing grounds for rent, but most young men do not have the financial capabilities to pay for them. Young men have to resort to playing on empty lots, which they themselves clean and clear of stones. Naseem Adawi pointed to the importance of private resorts and recreational areas that are dedicated to women. Jazan Municipality spokesman Tarek Al-Refaei said that the municipality has completed three playing grounds at the northern coastal front. Additionally, there is a playing ground at the Central Corniche area, and there are plans to prepare a number of playing grounds. In Unaizah, young men have called for designating some parks for them. They said that they wish to make use of the green areas in neighborhoods, but their presence is considered by families as disturbing. The manager of community service department at Unaizah Municipality Fahad Al-Duwais said that the municipality is doing its best to create parks wherever possible. He said that work is ongoing on two large parks, costing SR14 million, with special areas designated for young men. In Tabuk, “Families only " signs are everywhere, and young men resort to singles cafes and the streets, while some prefer to stay home. Young men and their parents have complained about lack of dedicated areas and programs for the youth to utilize their time. The manager of students' activities department Abdullah Al-Harthi said that six seasonal clubs have been dedicated this year for young men. They will operate five hours a day until the middle of Ramadan. — Alaa Adeeni, Thaifah Othman and Nader Al-Enezi also contributed to the report.
