King Abdul Aziz Square in Janadriyah a big draw

Children having a swell time with their families at King Abdul Aziz Square in Janadriyah.

RIYADH: King Abdul Aziz Square in Janadriyah in the northern outskirts of the Saudi capital continues to draw thousands of visitors of all ages, from all walks of life at weekends.
Many of these visitors are with their families seeking pleasure and entertainment that’s different from what they experience in the malls, parks, resorts or zoos in the heart of the city.
One attraction is the recreational center where single males in the Kingdom can go for meaningful entertainment.
“This shows the foresight on the part of those who thought about it. They saw the need and it reflects creativity, which we need in Saudi Arabia,” said Mohsin Shaikh Al-Hassan, well-known TV host and author.
He said that young male Saudis can go there instead of driving or flying to other GCC countries and beyond in search of a recreational center for fun and entertainment.
“By going to the center at the King Abdul Aziz Square, Saudi youths save money on plane tickets or hotel accommodations since they don’t need to leave,” he said.
Or, they could spend their money in the Kingdom, Al-Hassan added, so that it goes into the local economy instead of in other countries.
“The center is unique. I have not seen anything like it. It keeps the youth from harmful influences like drugs. In other words, it is an investment in the future as far as the youth are concerned,” he said.
But King Abdul Aziz Square has other things to offer visitors, such as entertainment facilities for children seeking fun or excitement, or simply to leisurely pass the time away.
Omar Y. Tobbal, a Saudi who works for a real estate company in the private sector, said that his four kids — two boys and two girls — had “great and sheer fun when we were there as family.”
“Children are excited whenever they see something that gives them a new and exciting experience. Being there was, and is, a good experience for us,” he said. He noted that the place was visited by not only locals but also foreign tourists. This is because of its ambience which exudes a sense of history.
“The horse racing being held there, for instance, is an old sport in the Kingdom. It was taken up by generations of Saudis. There are also things there that reflect customs and traditions,” he said.
Moreover, there are acrobatic performances which hold spectators spellbound as the performers show off their skills that sometimes defy imagination.