MANY people complain that single, young men in Jeddah don't have enough facilities or places for entertainment. It is true that most of the city's most popular haunts are predominantly for families. But does that mean there are absolutely no alternative means of entertainment for singles in Jeddah? Let's find out. Most of the activities for young men are limited to coffee shops and internet parlors, where people spend time browsing the internet and playing endless Playstation games. The other option is driving around aimlessly and sneaking into malls. But this turns out to be quite boring and not much fun after a while, when it continues the same way for several months. “I think young Saudi men are subject to depression and frustration because of the lack of social outlets for them,” said Monther, who declined to give his full name. “Even in the poorest countries around us, young people and singles are given more space in society than here. They have special facilities and clubs. Here, whereever I go, I'm asked to bring my family if I want to be let in. I think this doesn't help in saving the “morality” of the youth, since it forces the singles to do illegitimate things, like get together with unrelated women, just to be allowed in, in some places.” But not everybody shares Monther's point of view. Saudi Gazette met some other youth around town and asked them if they enjoy their weekends in Jeddah or they think that society does not give them enough space to entertain themselves? Many of the young men interviewed preferred to spend the weekend in cafés or playing billiards or hanging out in bowling alleys, but there are some others who prefer places that don't charge fees for entrance. “I do agree that Saudi youth are neglected and have very limited social options, but still, I can survive with my friends by discovering new places or making our own programs,” said Ashraf Usama, a 26-year-old Saudi. “I love going out of Jeddah for camping and fishing trips with my friends and sometimes with my father and his friends. We go almost every two weeks to some place out of the city and spend one or two days at the shore. We come back home with a rich haul of fish most of the time.” According to Ashraf, the best place for fishing is the north of Jeddah, the place is called Khalij Salman. That area is still pure and contains lot of fish since it is far from the city. While Khalij Salman is the best place for fishing, there is another area in Jeddah not known to everybody -- especially the young generation. When Fouad Al-Shareef, a 35-year-old Saudi, feels like swimming or diving, he zips up his equipment and heads for the very south of Jeddah, where there is a 50- km long Corniche. Luckily, this Corniche, although lacking the services and restaurants that are found in Jeddah central Corniche, is a private and secluded place. It is also dark in the evening but it is preferred by some people like Fouad, who think it is perfect for camping and swimming. Another alternative for youth is found on Makkah road where people enjoying watching or even practicing joy-riding – or should that be joy-driving – on the sands. This can be very exciting, especially for those who haven't given it a try before. Turki Al-Khilaywi, 25, never gives up going to the desert every week with his friends. He says that they keep driving the car on the sands for several kilometres into the desert, where they become disconnected from civilization. “I always use my 4 wheel Toyota to reach the highest and farthest place so my friends and I can enjoy the fresh air in front of an open fire,” said Turki. “It's not a good idea to venture too far out in the desert or go out alone, since sometimes there is no mobile signal and a person can't call for help if something happens or if the car breaks down.” Ayman Ali Saeed, a 26-year-old Saudi suggests that people can go for horse riding, another alternative which is not known by too many in Jeddah. “I see people in Jeddah are not really aware that there are courses and places for horse riding,” said Ayman. “There are plenty of stables in north Jeddah, where people can have fun riding horses. I like coming here regularly to practice this lovely sport – and it costs only SR 50 for an hour.” __
