The issue of whether to ensure shops close at 9 p.m. has sparked a debate on social media. There are many people who agreed with this decision, saying that it would have a positive economic and social impact. However, there were others who opposed this decision, which the Shoura Council is currently discussing. Critics said closing down the shops early would create more problems because there would be nothing to do. Those who are with the decision said that it would ease traffic on the road because many people would be discouraged from driving when all the shops are closed. Some tweeters said closing early would also have job benefits because many Saudis would be encouraged to apply for work in the retail industry due to the earlier closing time. Many of young people are currently put off by the late working hours?.? Many Saudis believed such a decision, if implemented, would work in countries with cool climates but not in a country where temperatures can reach 50 degrees. Other tweeters said that in cities like Riyadh, there is nothing to do except go to malls. They questioned where the youth would go if the shops close early. Those for the decision said closing down early would organize the lives of many people and benefit the economy in general. Other tweeters said the only way they would accept such a decision is if there were cinemas, of which there are currently none in the Kingdom. They said in countries like the UK where the shops close down early, there are many alternatives like cinemas, theaters and recreation centers. Some tweeters said the decision would not be acceptable because Saudi families like to start shopping after 9 p.m.
