Abu Fahd al-Saudi, who is in his fifties, discusses the recreational activities he enjoyed when he was a young man, and the transformations that have taken place today, nearly three decades since then.
This conversation between Abu Fahd and Asharq Al-Awsat took place at the Riyadh Oasis event, which was launched by the General Entertainment Authority in adherence to strict precautionary measures at a time when the country is controlling the coronavirus through its vaccination campaign and its centers that have opened in several regions across the Kingdom.
Abu Fahd touches upon the difference between Riyadh Oasis and “Kashta,” which are traditional road trips in Saudi Arabia where people camp in the desert or on sand dunes with a tent, simple cooking equipment, and supplies that were only adequate for the duration of the trip.
Having gone on these trips as a young man, Abu Fahd says that three decades ago, their adventures were simple, with a few supplies at no cost. In terms of cooking and supplies, they often experienced shortages when they arrived at the campsite in the middle of the desert, but today things are different. The tents are equipped with all the necessities and the site is equipped with the finest international cuisines and full services, from health to logistics.
In this event, there are several international restaurants next to an open-air theater above the sand dunes, in addition to restrooms and a large health center, equipped with all medical needs, that was built in the middle of the sand dunes, among other things that people could not have imagined only a year ago.
About a year ago, the site of the current event was a sandy area with no palm trees and almost no tents. However, with the return to normalcy after the lockdown caused by the coronavirus, and with the idea for this event, the area was transformed, in a short time, from sand dunes to an oasis of palm trees, pools, and luxury restaurants.
Though this event is not the first of its kind after the return to normalcy following the lockdown, it is, however, the first of its kind in terms of duration. The event will continue until next April and includes many recreational activities, such as luxury camps, a variety of stores, and services. In addition to the roads that are easily accessible amid the sand dunes, the visitor's experience in this oasis is unforgettable.
