The bringing to life of dinosaurs and the Jurassic age has proved a huge draw to the Saudi Aramco Cultural Program in Jiddah.
An array of models of the awesome creatures of bygone days has proved a big hit with kids among the approximately 150,000 visitors who have already passed through the site since it opened.
"What I have seen in the Jiddah Summer Program today demonstrates both creative planning and creative performance. I was surprised beyond my expectations."
Khalid A. Al-Falih
President and CEO, Saudi Aramco
The 12th Saudi Aramco Summer Cultural Program in Jiddah kicked off on June 21 at the Saudi Aramco Recreational Center in Jiddah’s al-Rehab district.
The Summer Cultural Program in Jiddah this year is unprecedented in both size and location. The many activities and competitions are part of an organized effort to spread awareness and education on safety and security, all in a family-oriented entertainment package.
The program also serves a cultural social purpose by encouraging volunteerism.
Nabil Baashan, manager of Saudi Aramco Affairs Western Province (SAAWP), emphasized Saudi Aramco values demonstrated through the Cultural Program, saying: “It is a part of the company’s social responsibility. We are aiming to achieve awareness and entertainment for the whole family; at the same time, we are promoting the volunteerism culture in the country,” Baashan said.
Five major tents for science, a kid’s island, heritage, theater and awareness cover 100,000 square meters.
The program sheds light on environmental safety, wildlife, homes and food, cleaning and safety methods in addition to health galleries including dental hygiene, nutrition consultation clinics, general health corner, blood donation and fitness time corner. There is also a drug-awareness gallery.
One gallery is dedicated to explaining the hydrocarbon industry through Saudi Aramco operations, environmental protection practices and experiences related to environmental protection. The festival also promotes the prevention of road accidents.
Fire safety precautions also are featured, educating the public on how to react during an emergency.
More than 25 governmental entities, security and private firms have participated in the program, cementing the strategic partnership between Saudi Aramco and various entities contributing to this edutainment program.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology highlights its role in scientific research. The section on arts and calligraphy displays a range of artifacts, including pottery, glass painting and embroidery.
The science and technology section exhibited many interesting experiments, but the children were especially attracted to Jurassic Park, the home of dinosaurs.
“It’s a fantastic way of enjoying our vacation by learning and doing things that we cannot concentrate on in our busy daily routine. The best thing about the festival is it contains interesting events for every age group,” said Um Ali, a mother who attended the program on the first day.
Jiddah programs are open to the public and start daily at 6 p.m. and continue until midnight.
For more information, visit the website of the Saudi Aramco Cultural Program.
