Across the globe, both private and public institutions have been playing it smart when it comes to spaces that typically have large gatherings, with many exploring the possibilities of the drive-in as a way to deal with the current pandemic. Dubai has done it, with Vox Cinemas now offering drive-in screenings so that viewers can watch from the safety of their vehicles. The USA and Denmark have also taken that route with a number of drive-in concerts.
So, it perhaps comes as no surprise that Saudi Arabia is also exploring the potential of drive-in, starting with grocery shopping. The country announced this week its first-ever mobile fresh produce market, which was inaugurated in the eastern province of Al-Khobar. The truck has been designed in accordance to stringent hygiene and safety standards, and offers shoppers the chance to buy fruits and vegetables without having to leave their car. It has also been hailed as a smart initiative that provides Saudi youth with a space to sell their products.
According to Saudi Gazette, the Head of Al-Khobar Municipality Eng. Sultan Al-Zaidi explained that this innovative mobile setup can be found in the parking lot of the Iskan Square Park in Al-Khobar and the “market comprises 12 sales points in air-conditioned cabins.”
He also pointed out that the municipality has organized the site by placing signage where needed, setting up a number of containers, providing a team of cleaners to maintain hygiene of the spaces during the market working hours (8 AM to 7 PM every day), and ensuring that security supervisors are always on-ground to ensure compliance with health and safety measures.
