This is with reference to the report “Loss of iconic building saddens Riyadh expats” (May 5). I very well remember how “Akariya 1” was “the place” for shopping years ago, until more modern and spacious shopping malls mushroomed with better parking facilities in Riyadh.
I am sure the Malaz residents will be really hard put with the construction under process for the new underpass, to avoid the congestion near Gulf Bridge. The numerous signs indicating, “Re-route,” “Diversion” and “Road closed” are confusing the motorists, as Salahudin Al-Ayubi Road (old Siteen Street) is the busiest place in the capital. I recall the days when one could count the number of buildings along this road.
Another landmark building brought down close to “Al-Akariya 1” is the old “Al-Munajjem Cold Stores.”
I would not say that the current transformation would really sadden the residents as due to the decentralization of business in the city the old shopping malls had lost their regular customers.
I remember that in the mid-70s we had to go downtown, Batha, for shopping, banking and even for posting letters.
Yet this place has not lost its glamor for the working class people because it offers highly competitive prices of electronics good and textile products. For many, it is still Batha for all their vacation purchases.
— S.H. Moulana, Riyadh
