USE AND TYPE OF PUBLIC SPACES

KSLG social media research shows that nearly 50% of youth rated their city’s public spaces as poor or very poor. The results show that women and youth are unhappy with the existing public spaces offered by the city. The ratings on public space quality presents similar trends in many of the cities examined. For example, in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam only an average of 15% of the residents consider the quality public spaces good or excellent. The comments shared on Twitter related to complaints or criticisms, included requests for improvements to the parks (18%), complaints about specific behaviors in parks (12%), calls for improved safety measures (10%), and the need for more recreational activities (8%).

Given the unique cultural context of Saudi Arabia, privately-owned places such as malls can be also considered public spaces25. Although, when asked which types of public spaces Saudi nationals use the most, nearly 50% of the respondents unanimously answered public park and green spaces, followed by pedestrian walkways and public squares (30%). The respondents from young men and women also identified public parks and green spaces (70%), sports clubs (66%), and libraries (65%) as the most needed type of public space in cities from Saudi Arabia. Similarly, women from different age groups shared similar concerns about the use of public spaces. These issues included: the need of creation of social centers for young women (65%) and to enhance the level of safety in public spaces(60%). These results are unanimously shared by respondents from various cities in Saudi Arabia. The need for further public space appears to be a shared priority across the country.