Families in the capital now have a new venue to spend their leisure time — where they can enjoy both privacy and recreation all in one. Located adjacent to the Prince Faisal Olympic Complex, the newly inaugurated Universal Bowling Center has bowling alleys, pool tables, snooker tables, a coffee shop, a restaurant, an electronic games center, a cinema area for children and a VIP lounge.Prince Abdul Hakeem ibn Musaed Al-Saud, head of the Universal Bowling Center and head of the organizing committee of the 1st Kingdom International Open Bowling Tournament, said the aim of establishing such a center was to meet the needs of families in the capital. “It provides the Saudi family with a proper environment in a relaxing atmosphere,” he said. “If I wanted to take my kid to one of those (other) bowling places I would fear for him. Those places were not built with the family in mind.”
The UBC provides 12 lanes for families only. Eighteen other lanes are for single men. Another aspect that is considered a plus for families is the professional security and availability of caretakers. “Parents can leave their children here and go with a relaxed frame of mind. We will take care of them,” he said.
The prince said that UBC provided a proper venue for Saudi women to practice sports, which would have a positive effect on their health and welfare. He mentioned that among the priorities of the center was preparing future female bowlers. “We have hired a world champion bowler from Colombia to train women. We intend to spread the sport of bowling among men, women, and children.”