Young science center visitors can be builders for a day at the MTE Studios every time they visit the latest “Build a City” exhibition on construction, which will open at Riyadh Science Oasis in Al-Othaim Mall in Rabwah on March 10 and run until June 10.

Getting into little hard hats and construction vest, children can create, play and learn as they explore the concepts of construction and simple machines.

“We are bringing an entertaining, educational interactive exhibition for young Saudi enthusiasts. Our goal is to provide education through entertainment, which gives young people a chance to learn about science while receiving a hands-on experience with scientific equipment,” said Chief Executive Officer of Riyadh Science Oasis Mazen Abdulrazak Balilah.

He added that “Build a City” will help in accomplishing the project’s goal, as it teaches children skills using interactive means, making their visit to Riyadh Science Oasis an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Visitors will have the opportunity to operate a pulley, use a child-size crane to hook, lift and move objects and materials, and build structures with bricks and blocks. Right through the exhibition, the unrestricted nature of the materials and activities allows creativity to grow. Children are encouraged to use the exhibit in their own way, contributing to personalized learning.

“Playing is an essential part of every child’s life and vital to the processes of human development. It provides the mechanism for children to explore the world around them and the medium through which skills are developed and practiced. It is essential for physical, emotional and spiritual growth, intellectual and educational development, and acquiring social and behavioral skills,” said Ludo Verheyen, CEO of MTE Studios.

“Young children are at a stage of development where they learn by doing. It’s the 'doing' that matters to a child and contributes to his or her learning. It is not the product to take home that is important. ‘Build a City’ amuses and challenges the minds of children, helping to develop intellectual, physical, emotional and social skills.”

Using scientific processes, mathematical concepts, sensory development and communication, the exhibition helps build self-confidence, coordination, control, strength and self-expression. The construction site of the activity zone develops skills that include planning and supervision, problem solving, teamwork, leadership, motor coordination, hand-eye-coordination, use of equipment, vocabulary development and socializing and recognition skills.

The environment zone highlights the importance of natural awareness for a sustainable, quality living environment.

“Build a City’s” children’s activity zone provides an ideal opportunity for children to enjoy constructive play in a team-building environment. The whole experience allows them to develop social, mental and physical skills while also enjoying themselves.

“Build a City” was created by MTE Studios based in Dubai and Cape Town. This is the third time the scheme is being hosted in Saudi Arabia after its success with children in the Kingdom last year. It is a large, innovative and interactive exhibit where young children without the need for parental supervision learn the basic principles of construction and teamwork ethics while at play.