Al-Watan WE have noticed that most of the cultural activities and entertainment programs in the Kingdom take place in highly populated cities as organizers give priority to economic viability over any other considerations. However, as most of these events are organized by the government with the financial support of the private sector, economic viability should not become an issue. Government departments often require the private sector's support to finance cultural programs. At the same time, private firms need government protection to organize some cultural and recreational events, especially when a section of society considers them taboo. It is true that cultural activities are not receiving enough financial support. As a result, major cultural events such as book shows, seminars and art festivals take place in major cities. But people all over the country require platforms for recreational and cultural activities and therefore events must be conducted in all cities, including small cities in remote regions, for the benefit of the residents of those cities. For the past several years we have been focusing on the development of major cities, ignoring other cities and townships in far off places. Many areas in the north and south of the Kingdom remained undeveloped as a result of this policy. Only a few years back concerted efforts were made for the development of all regions as part of a major drive to accelerate economic growth and achieve balanced development across the country. The move to accelerate development in all regions was successful. It resulted in the expansion and economic development of many new cities, making them semi-pivotal. Following this newly gained progress, those cities in remote regions were able to establish business contacts with neighboring countries and this further strengthened their development, thus making them socially and economically significant. We have noticed that popular participation in cultural festivals held in remote cities was higher than that of the ones held in major cities and they were able to make good financial returns. This proves the economic viability of holding such events in small cities across the Kingdom. At present most cultural events take place in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. This shows the centralization of culture like the concentration of development projects in major cities in the past. Organizers of such events focus on major cities hoping to make them successful. I believe that cultural events and entertainment programs can be expanded to tens of cities across the Kingdom not only to boost economic development but also to satisfy the needs of the people. Remote cities have displayed a strong penchant for successfully holding cultural events with the support of cultural organizations despite the meager financial support they receive from the government. Small associations will not be able to organize big events in remote areas without the support and encouragement of the Ministry of Culture and Information. Why don't we support cultural and art societies in remote cities like they do in major cities? I understand that here also the main culprit is the mentality of focusing on major cities, ignoring the right of people in the remote cities and townships for entertainment. This policy has encouraged many people in remote regions to migrate to cities to enjoy better living conditions and facilities. We should know that entertainment plays a significant role in molding people's personality and accelerating economic progress of a country. Personally, I wanted to see book shows, cultural events and entertainment programs in every city I visit apart from cities such as Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. All cities in the Kingdom are equally important and people of all Saudi cities have the right to enjoy cultural and entertainment programs.
