DHAHRAN, 3 August 2004 — Kids learn more easily while they play and have fun. It’s easy to find a storehouse of knowledge, but it’s harder to find a place for kids to have fun. Parents looking for such a place that offers both need look no further than the Saudi Aramco Exhibit.
The Saudi Aramco Exhibit has been operating in this way since it opened in 1987. Exhibit programs combine important information with fun — not only for youngsters but for the family as well. The summer programs, which began earlier this month, support the Exhibit’s goals by offering eight activities that provide something of interest for everyone.
New this year is the Exhibit’s association with the Al-Birr Charity Society, which offers clothes, handicrafts, traditional bread and decorative henna for children, with all proceeds going to the needy families who make these items.
One program kids can sink their teeth into is the Dental Clinic Exhibit presented by Saudi Aramco Medical Services Organization (SAMSO). A team of dental professionals tries to increase visitor awareness of oral problems and convince them they are 100 percent preventable. Kids learn about the need to prevent oral diseases and get professional advice on how to brush and floss. Youngsters also get a rare chance to see the insides of their own mouths through a special dental camera connected to a monitor screen.
Where there’s smoke there’s fire, and the Fire Protection Department is fighting fire by showing kids how fires start — and how they can be prevented. Photos of fire and safety are displayed, including training, the history of the Dhahran Fire Department, kitchen fire prevention and a look at the various types of fire extinguishers.
Moreover, kids get to see how a real kitchen fire starts in a controlled demonstration conducted by two firefighters. Kids even learn that firefighting foam can be fun as they get to play in a large foam-filled area.
Three of the world’s most lovable cartoon characters come to the stage in a show that mixes learning with fun. Fashion shows, which feature Gulf and international costumes, are also presented.
The Alwan Group includes presenters who hold contests and interact with the visitors, lending an air of excitement to the Exhibit and filling it with the laughter of children.
The whole family can enjoy watching the 3-D film “Energy to the World” at the Exhibit Theater. Two animated features also have been added to the program. “Where Does It Come From?” discusses the origins of oil, and “Land of Khuzama” takes a look at protecting the wildlife and the environment.
Visitors also can take a tour of the eight permanent sections of the Exhibit to find out about oil production, Saudi Aramco’s history and Arab-Islamic heritage.
It’s good to pay attention to the Exhibit’s many programs and features because a daily contest tests your memory and offers valuable prizes to the winners.
There are additional presentations on diet and lifestyle modification, good nutrition and tire safety.
The Saudi Aramco Exhibit is open daily from 9 am-9 pm Saturday through Thursday and from 3 pm-9 pm on Fridays.
Summer activities take place from 3 pm-9 pm daily, and that time is set-aside especially for families. For more information, call (03) 876-7676.