Aramco cultural fest ends on high note

More than 250,000 visitors from across the Kingdom attended Saudi Aramco’s dazzling cultural festival that ended on a high note at the company’s headquarters in Dhahran last week.
One of the most popular activities for families was the iSpark graduation ceremony held each Monday in the live performance tent where students showcased their projects and were awarded certificates.
“My sister was an iSpark student,” said Manal Al-Shihri during her visit. “I attended her graduation and the range of projects was very creative and impressive.”
Al-Shihri said the 1001 Inventions Exhibit was her favorite attraction. “It was well organized,” she said. “It had activities for both adults and children and I enjoyed our tour of the tent.”
She also noted the Heritage Village was entertaining and the street performers in their costumes made it feel very festive. “Last year’s program was okay but this year I was very impressed. It reached a whole new level. I would love to come back again.”
iSpark student Samar Al-Zahrani said her favorite place was the Generation Oasis tent. She brought her little sister and they both enjoyed the activities on offer inside.
“The outdoor shows and street artists added value to the program that we didn’t have in the past,” said organizer Rehab Makhloog. They were also some of the most popular attractions at the site, be it a juggling clown interacting with kids, or a futuristic entertainer performing for visitors in a costume made of light-emitting diodes.
Saudi celebrities also made appearances at the site and visitors rushed to have photos taken with them. Stand-up comedian Fahad Albutairi did a live interview that was streamed through LED screens onsite. Saudi international football players Yousef Al-Salem and Fayez Al-Subaie, toured the site visited the Valencia tent and spent time greeting youngsters there.
Visitors lined up to attend a lecture about Muslim inventions by professor Salim Al-Hassani, the author of "1001 Inventions: The Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilization," at the live performance tent. Al-Hassani delighted visitors by signing copies of his book.
Barney and Friends, the Fareej cartoon inspired characters, a puppet show and the Sound of the Ocean program were also popular attractions for families. The festival also hosted theater workshops for young Saudis in collaboration with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain.