As part of a historic program to celebrate Saudi Aramco's 75th Anniversary, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has set last week the symbolic cornerstone of the King Abdulaziz Center for Knowledge and Culture at Dammam Dome. The iconic structure will stand alongside the site of Prosperity Well No. 7, the first well in Saudi Arabia to yield oil in commercial quantities.
"This company-built Center will serve the community's needs in the fields of knowledge, culture and the arts, " said Jumah.
"Knowledge creation and innovation are the most distinctive merits of any developed or pioneering societies, " said Jumah. "By entering into knowledge and culture partnerships with leading national and international institutions, this Center can be a catalyst for the progress of continuing transformation of our society into a knowledge-generating and innovation-creating one, rather than a mere consumer of such things."
A Saudi Aramco initiative, the Center will be open to the general public on 2012 and will serve as home to multiple facilities that will include a world-class public library and knowledge creation center. Designed with a caf-like atmosphere, the Centers library will combine digital access to information, connectivity with knowledge centers across the world and an extensive array of books and periodicals.
The Centers museum is envisioned to showcase the rich history and legacy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its programs and exhibits will connect the past with the future and fire the imaginations of visitors of all ages.
An exhibition hall will be the focal point for showcasing cultures of the world in Saudi Arabia through exhibitions that stimulate cross-cultural engagement and appreciation.
A Childrens Education Center will offer an innovative and creative museum and library designed specifically for children from 2-12 years old. The purpose of this facility is to spark in children a love of learning. Children will discover captivating objects and immersive multimedia exhibits that will incorporate storytelling, video, audio and self-directed study to encourage interaction and true hands-on learning.
A full calendar of events throughout the year will include seminars on various subjects as well as performances of plays and musicals in the Centers auditorium and outdoor facilities. Complementing the theater are various exhibition and event facilities such as exhibition halls, an outdoor amphitheater and adaptable creative spaces, recording and video studios.
Reflecting Saudi Aramcos commitment to social responsibility, the Centers volunteer program will harness the collective talents of the Saudi people to benefit local communities. Opportunities will abound for Saudis of all ages and experience levels to help address a variety of needs in areas such as education, healthcare, and youth leadership.
The Centers innovative and iconic design is being created by Snohetta, an architectural firm based in Norway that specializes in cultural projects. Snohetta has designed iconic projects like the new Alexandria Library in Egypt and the Oslo Opera House in Norway.
A Saudi Aramcos project management team is working closely with Snohetta to ascertain that the centers iconic design is highly appreciative of the Saudi values and any environmental considerations, according to a latest report carried by Saudi Aramco's web-site.
Saudi Aramco has created a distinctive addition to the regional landscape that will welcome all to participate in the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
Saudi Press Agency 2008
