Saudis, expats return to city after vacation

Saudis and expatriates have started returning to the Saudi capital after their Haj holidays, with the Saudi Ministry of Interior sending a text message to welcome them back.
“The Haj holidays were a good opportunity for city residents to unwind and relax from work,” said Saad Al-Bazei, a Shoura Council member and former university professor.
Al-Bazei said the holidays were also a good time for people to bond with their relatives and forget about work, especially if they visited scenic places.
Abu Ali, a Saudi who works in the private sector, said that he feels relaxed after spending a few days in Dubai with his wife. “We always look forward to the Haj holidays. Leaving the Kingdom for a few days gives me a renewed perspective on things,” he said.
An Asian working for one of the Kingdom’s biggest companies said that after more than a week in his home country, he felt reinvigorated. “After a few days on vacation I am eager to come back and continue working, starting on Sunday. There’s much work in the office,” he said.
Other expatriates also had a good time going to the Eastern Province and Manama in Bahrain.
“In Alkhobar, my kids played on the beach and dug for shells at the water’s edge. They had a good time,” said a Filipino architect working for a local firm.
Another Filipino said that they visited Dammam’s amusement parks. “After that we drove along the King Fahd Causeway to Manama in Bahrain. My wife and two kids were excited ... We sampled Filipino food, which we love back home.”