A decision by the local authorities in the Red Sea city of Jeddah to remove a love message painted on the pavement has sparked a passionate debate on the Saudi social media.

The “4EVER I LOVE YOU” declaration, large enough to be seen from high-rise buildings in the area, was unusual even in the city known as among the most liberal in the kingdom.

However, the municipality was not keen on keeping it — and decided to take it off the pavement, Saudi news site Al Marsad reported on Monday.

Those who supported the decision said that it was an eyesore that encroached on the landscape and that it could be used as a precedent to have graffiti all over the beautiful city, often called “The Bride of the Red Sea”.

“The writing is utterly frivolous,” Wonder, a social user, posted

If he loves a woman, he tells her openly, but he should not paint a love message and a heart on the public pavement.”

Another user writing under the moniker of Opinion said that he appreciated the lover’s compassion, but advised him not to deface public property.

“You can express your love on your private property, such as your car, but do not damage a property that belongs to the public.”

Al Shayeb said that the lover should be more respectful of the local traditions.

“If you truly love her, go to her instead of vandalising the pavement with your personal message,” he said.

Salam said that such messages were “the negative effects of watching foreign dramas with fake plots that bear no relation to the reality on the ground.”

Those who supported the lover’s message argued that it was a romantic way of expressing love and should not have been removed.

“You have my full support and compassion,” Dodge posted. “You have every right to express your love. Only those who have really fallen in love appreciate the significance of what you did. The others just want to wipe it off!”

Mamdooh said that he saluted the man who spent “so much time and so much energy to express his love.”

“To me, this is one of the most romantic acts I have ever seen.”

Sununu said that the municipality should dedicate a pavement in the city for lovers to express their feelings for one month every year.

“When the month is over, they can paint it anew until the next year

source : gulfnews