Shahd Alhamdan
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Saudi youth took to social media to express their excitement at the royal decree for the establishment of the general commission for recreation.
Although the commission has not announced any plans yet, the youth have started suggesting ideas and proposing what they want.
Abeer, a Saudi woman, wished to have more playgrounds and more places for Saudi youth to practice their hobbies.
Nasser Algassabi said on twitter that entertainment is not luxury, it is a vital cultural project.
“It is not only consumers who were excited at the news. Artists, producers, directors and others working in the entertainment business are thrilled to finally have a platform which supports their work,” said a source.
There are so many amateur and professional actors, movie directors, singers and all sorts of artists who have struggled to showcase their talent and be appreciated and respected for what they want to do, the source said.
Suhaib Qamash, a Saudi process engineering manager, said, “This will help give families quality time.”
Ahmed Alsaad, a Saudi male in his 30s, said, “It is a great step to support the talented people.”
“As part of its 2030 vision, the Kingdom has addressed the issues of the youth.
“The youth constitute 70 percent of the Kingdom’s population and they were thrilled to hear that there will be a commission dedicated to fulfill their recreational needs,” a Saudi youth said.
He said that many are predicting that there will be a movie theater, a theater and musical concerts.
“Even though the Saudi society is very private, people want to be able to go to cinemas and have a nice family outing, he said.
Vision 2030 released on April 25, talked about promoting culture and entertainment through “Daem”, a national program to enhance the quality of cultural activities and entertainment.
“By 2020, there will be more than 450 registered and professionally organized amateur clubs providing a variety of cultural activities and entertainment events,” the Vision text said.
