The formation of an association to help young Saudis prepare themselves for marriage was seen as an urgent need by a large number of visitors to the “Wedding Expo 2009” which ended last Wednesday. Most of those who attended the exhibition, especially the women, called for the formation of an association which would help Saudi men plan for the financial aspects of marriage and provide women with lectures and courses which would prepare them for the responsibility of marriage and raising a family. “Most of the visitors to the expo were women who were keen to have a society which educated young Saudi women about their future role as both wife and mother,” said Adel Abdulshakour, executive manager of the exhibition. A number of charity associations participated in the expo in order to outline the services that they offer for young people who want to get married. “The charity association will cooperate with the Department of Women's Social Supervision in Makkah, even though they do an excellent job, many feel that more is needed. That is why there is a call for specialists to be provided to give advice to those who are contemplating marriage,” he said. According to Abdulshakour, more than 15,000 Saudi women visited the three-day exhibition which, he feels, reflects the desire of Saudi women to attend lectures and symposiums about the responsibilities of married life. “The expo achieved a very important goal in that it raised the issue of the need for pre-marital education based on the customs and traditions of Saudi Arabia,” he added.
