Tariq A. Al-Maeena

It is a generally accepted thought that Saudi youth under the age of 25 make up more than 60 percent of the total population, while some statistics suggest that the figure could be as high as 70 percent.  Such high percentages must be taken into consideration by policy makers during the formulation of short-term and long-term plans. 



In January of this year, a study was conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to measure and assess what mattered to Saudi youth most in an effort to assist policy makers to address their areas of concern.  BCG surveyed more than 1,000 young Saudis, who were 16 to 29 years of age, to measure "their satisfaction with their lives" and their primary concerns.  The study encompassed youth from both genders, and it included subjects from both rural and urban centers. 



Following the collection and analysis of data, it became evident to the consulting group that there were five areas of concern that the participants in the study felt were significant.  In no specific order the five were: the high cost of living, the lack of affordable housing, rising crime and violence among those in their age group, lack of confidence in the education system, and finally the scarcity of opportunities for a career and a good living.



The results should not come as a complete surprise as such concerns have been brought up before.  The steady rise in the cost of living despite repeated efforts by the government to control rising costs is causing a severe strain on many young families and individuals.  The increase in school fees and in the cost of food, medical services and other basic necessities has forced some to beg or borrow to stay afloat.  Banks have come under fire for making obscene profits by offering loans and extended credit limits to the financially desperate and those already drowning in debt.



Many of those who participated in the study also questioned why affordable housing in this land of plenty is so difficult to attain.  While the government pumped in $70 billion in 2011 for the purpose of building entry level homes for Saudis and a new housing ministry was established, progress in providing affordable housing has been excruciatingly slow.



The price of land which the young want to purchase in order to build a home has also risen uncontrollably.  This leads to a large gap in what government assisted funds can purchase.  The prices that landlords and land owners are demanding have caused many to complain that the housing ministry has failed in its mission to provide affordable housing to Saudis.



In the area of rising violence, the BCG study noted that these concerns were expressed predominantly by those in the northern and southern regions of the country which border other countries.  In other areas, Saudi youth expressed concerns about crime and attacks by unemployed youth or undocumented workers.  Some in the study group claimed that they had been victims at one time or the other.  And surprisingly, many chose their families, friends and religious leaders (in that order) instead of the police to address their needs for protection.



On the issue of education, many in the study group complained about the lack of effective preparation for entering the job market.  They cited shortcomings in the curriculum that did not address the skills that the marketplace was seeking, such as problem solving, teamwork, effective communication, time management and critical thinking. 



The lack of career opportunities was more important to the youth in the north of the country which has less industrialized cities than elsewhere.  One participant complained that there were limited job opportunities in public sector departments outside the large cities. Another added in frustration: “Every day I have to search for a job and fill applications, but it’s hopeless.”



The spirit of hopelessness is not constructive to any society.  Our youth are a significant asset in the makeup of our country.  Their energy must be seriously addressed and channeled toward more rewarding expectations that will maintain a positive level of self-esteem and help keep them from straying from the right path.     

— The author can be reached at talmaeena@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @talmaeena