Eastern Province streets have been planted with thousands of colorful flowers as part of a beautification project this spring. (Saudi Gazette photo by Shabna Aziz) DAMMAM: The municipal authorities of the Eastern Province have planted beautiful flowers along the roads and in the parks of the region's cities as part of a beautification project this spring. Flowers are blooming everywhere and the colorful scenery and improved weather are being enjoyed by residents in Dammam, Al-Khobar, Jubail, Al-Ahsa and other cities. Coastal areas and seafronts are gleaming with colors and the cities look much cleaner. During the evenings and weekends, seafronts are crowded with people who are out to enjoy the spring weather after a long spell of winter. Mohammed Ehab, an Egyptian national, who came to the Dammam Corniche area with his family and friends, said that the place looks more beautiful. “The colors are bright and the weather is great. It feels really good to be here and we all are enjoying an outdoor barbeque,” he said. He said it was a relief from the winter when he and his family could not go to the beach because of the cold weather. Mona, a Saudi national who was at King Fahd Park in Al-Khobar, said that she was enjoying herself now that her exams are over. “The winter season has come to an end and it is a good time to enjoy the climate before it gets too hot. We come here every other day just to walk and talk among all the beautiful flowers and trees; it is very pleasant and energizing,” she said. The Eastern Province Mayoralty has also stepped up cleaning the streets, public gardens and amusement parks where scores of people gather to take a break from city life. Authorities have also intensified monitoring of various cafeterias and restaurants in the region to ensure that they comply with health standards. Safety inspections are also underway at children's play areas and rides.
