Aramco cultural festival draws thousands on inaugural day

Syeda Amtul
Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — More than 7,000 visitors attended the launch of Saudi Aramco summer cultural program at Aramco Cultural Center in Rehab district of Jeddah Thursday.

More than 25 governmental entities, security and private sectors are enhancing the strategic partnership between Saudi Aramco and various bodies that are contributing to this edutainment program, which is spread over a 100,000 square meter area and will continue until end of this month.

Nabil Ben Ahmed Ba’eshen, manager of Saudi Aramco Affairs in Western region, said, “The main objective of the program is raising awareness regarding safety and security. Every year Saudi Aramco organizes summer programs but this year’s program will be one of the biggest events taking place in Jeddah this summer.

Ba’eshen said the company wanted to spread awareness in the community about different issues, but in “an informal way, that is, through entertainment and enjoyment.”

The program attracted many visitors, especially children.

Saudi Aramco had the collaboration of government agencies such as the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, the Traffic Department, the Border Guard, the Civil Defense, Health Affairs, the National Guard, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, the Anti-Narcotics Committee, the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development and the Saudi Center for Energy Efficiency in organizing the event.

The participation of the government agencies reflects the keenness of Saudi Aramco in taking collective action to raise cultural awareness, said Ba’eshen. He pointed out that the program includes many exciting events for all sections, such as a drawing competition for children.

Ba’eshen said the annual program was part of Saudi Aramco’s social responsibility initiative.

On the inaugural day, visitors in large numbers thronged entertainment, cultural, social, health and heritage centers — all arranged in a serene atmosphere. King Fahd Complex for Printing Holy Qur’an in Madinah and the Kiswa Factory in Makkah displayed pictures on Saudi Arabia.

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology highlighted its role in scientific research. The section on Arts and Calligraphy displayed a range of artifacts, including pottery, glass painting and embroidery. The Science and Technology section exhibited many interesting experiments. Children were especially attracted to the Jurassic Park, the home of dinosaurs.

There were sections on health, general fitness, safety and cooking.

“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.

“It is a great experience for me and my kids and it is truly a constructive way to spend our holidays,” she added.

Programs are open to public and start daily at 6 P.M. and will continue midnight.