JEDDAH: The first all-women telecom complex, which was opened with much fanfare in Rimal district of Riyadh a week ago, wore a deserted look on Monday, when local media surveyed it.
The complex has all the necessary things in place for doing a mobile phone business, but not a single Saudi woman has occupied any shop as yet, said the report.
Shops were seen covered with dust, while a few workers in the complex were getting ready to eat snacks. They said not a single saleswoman has shown up yet.
An official of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development expressed astonishment at the shops still being vacant. He, however, justified the absence of women, saying that the shops might be closed in the morning, but saleswomen are present in the afternoon.
The opening ceremony of the complex, last week, was attended by Ibrahim Al-Shafi, director of the Guided Saudization Program, and other prominent personalities in addition to a number of young male and female Saudis who have invested in the business.
The owner of the building, Abdulrahman Al-Hameed, said the place offers a suitable work environment for women and that the complex was approved by the ministry.
“All the basic services have been provided such as water utilities, a rest area, buffet, around-the-clock security, in addition to bus transport facility for investors,” he said.
Moreover, Al-Hameed said, a three-month rent-free grace period has been granted to those wishing to invest.
First all-women telecom complex is lonely
First all-women telecom complex is lonely
