Laura Bashraheel Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The Saudi National Day is just a few days away. Many people are planning to take a long weekend and either travel somewhere near, rent a beach house or simply just sleep, but many others will avoid going out due to possible traffic jams and bad organization. Despite the importance of this day, there is little evidence of preparations on the streets as well as events, activities and programs by the local government. Not only that, there is also a lack of coordination between the responsible bodies when it comes to organization and setting up a security plan for people to find out what is permitted and what is unacceptable. As traffic jams become unbearable, many people will avoid going out to take part in any celebrations. Mohammed Ateegi, a father of four, said he would probably stay at home to avoid traffic and getting stuck in the middle of the street while with his family. He said: “Last year I wanted to take my children to a restaurant in Malik Road and we ended up stuck for two hours as many young men were dancing on the streets with no respect for anyone around.” Ateegi also criticized the lack of planning by traffic police and said they should set a plan and publish it on their website so people would know which streets to avoid. He added: “Until when we do things randomly with no forward planning? It should be a day where people who want to celebrate on the street can and those who doesn't know which alternative routes to take.” The National Day could be seen by some as an opportunity to go out on the streets to celebrate and enjoy time without being caught. On the other hand, Hassan, a 21-year-old university student, said he will go out to celebrate on the streets on the National Day since it's the only day where youths can do something freely. He said: “Me and my friends are planning to have a good time dancing on the street if we get the chance. We are not sure if police will allow us this year but they normally do.” When asked when he and his friends would respect traffic and families, Hassan said everyone would be free to do however they please. He added: “What is the problem with dancing to loud music or waving flags?” Since the king also gave an extra day off on Saturday, people are expecting celebrations to start even a day before. However, many will travel, spend the day at home or rest. Maha Abdul Ghani, a 36-year-old mother of three, said Jeddah would be extremely busy with the long weekend so she decided to travel to Dubai and spend time with her husband and kids. She said: “I already planned a long weekend even before the royal decree. Me and my husband thought it would be a good break from work and spend time with the kids away from suffocating traffic.” Abdul Ghani believes that if the National Day was planned for properly by all responsible bodies, people would enjoy it more. She added: “A few years ago we decided to go out and see the celebrations on the street but it was terrible. “I saw young men disrespecting families and shouting at people. That is not called celebrations.” Despite the lack of activities and the bad organization, for many it's still a day to be celebrated and remembered.
