Yousuf Al-Muhaimeed
Al-Jazirah
We have become used to hear and read reports about an imminent decision to close shops by 9 p.m. There is nothing unusual in this decision as in most countries including some US states and most European countries shops are closed early and in some cities it would not exceed 6 p.m. Many Arabs who loiter around the streets and sit idly in cafes in the night would not like the idea.
A few years ago, when no specific time was fixed to close shops, groceries in Riyadh remained open until after midnight, authorities ordered closure of all shops by 12 midnight. Restaurants were excluded but they were also instructed to shut down at 1 a.m.
In the beginning people found it difficult, especially those who love to keep awake late in the night. Most Arab cities including Riyadh will not go to bed until morning. With the passage of time, people became acclimatized with the new system, which encouraged the public to complete shopping before midnight and Riyadh started yawning by 11 p.m.
My question is whether the closure of shops at 9 or 10 p.m. is acceptable? What are its social, economic and security benefits?
It would have been better if the authorities had implemented the system in tune with that of advanced countries where shops operate continuously from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. without closure contrary to what is happening in our country where shops are closed for prayers and for lunch break.
Because of the extreme cold weather traders in Europe like to keep their shops open in the day time and it would be difficult for them to work in the night contrary to the situation in our cities which are hit by extreme hot climate most of the year. It would be difficult for shops to operate in the day time, especially those operating in open markets.
Of course, the system to close shops at 9 p.m. would ensure fair competition between Saudis and expatriates in terms of working hours. A Saudi will be able to close his shop at 9 p.m. and spend some time with his family. Expatriates would be ready to keep their shops open throughout the night, especially for those whose families do not live with them in the Kingdom.
It is true that the decision would have a positive economic impact at it would reduce energy consumption in shops and shopping centers and reduce traffic bottlenecks in the night. It will positively reflect on Saudis health as they would be sleeping early.
The decision would not satisfy people who love to keep awake late in the night. Most of us are accustomed to shopping after Isha prayers or 9 p.m. I am sure that all Saudis would accept the new decision and adapt with it as they did with the weekend change from Thursday-Friday to Friday-Saturday. Many had initially opposed the move but later found comfort in it.
