AL-RIYADH newspaper recently published a report about the large number of Saudis visiting Dubai during the Eid holidays. Despite the difficulties they sometimes face at the border crossing with the United Arab Emirates, some estimates put the total number of Saudis crossing into the UAE at around 1 million. There are many reasons for these people to visit Dubai. Some say it is because Dubai is a place where they feel free while others claim it is because they can enjoy things they would not find in the Kingdom, such as the movies or other public attractions. What is said about Dubai can be implemented here in the Kingdom and it would not cost us much to have a tourism infrastructure on par with Dubai. Each city in the Kingdom has hotels, furnished apartments and public attractions. If we have clean bathrooms in malls and highway rest stops, then that will encourage domestic tourism. As for movie theaters, I do not know the reason behind not allowing them is especially since it is no secret that we are a society that loves to watch movies. As for freedom, the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice does not harass people anymore though there are isolated incidents every now and then. I can testify to this because I used to go with my wife to Red Sea Mall in Jeddah and sit at a coffee shop for hours without being harassed or stopped by anyone. What has been achieved in Dubai can be easily achieved here. All we need is strength and determination.
