JEDDAH, 7 November 2005 — Crown Prince Sultan will open a state-of-the-art science and technology center in Alkhobar tomorrow, according to Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, director general of Prince Sultan Charitable Foundation.
Qasabi described the Prince Sultan ibn Abdul Aziz Science and Technology Center, established at a cost of SR230 million, as a gateway of science and technology on the Kingdom’s eastern coast. “Prince Sultan selected Alkhobar for the center because of its strategic location in the Gulf,” he said, adding that the center would both serve Saudis and citizens of other GCC countries.
The center’s innovative programs are designed to make learning fun and interesting and will play an effective role in the future of science and technology within the Kingdom.
The center uses interactive and hands-on exhibits that engage visitors and makes learning science an enjoyable family experience, its director Riyad Al-Adel said.
Prince Sultan, who is currently visiting Tabuk, yesterday laid the foundation stone for the 500-bed King Fahd Specialist Hospital in the city. Speaking at the ceremony, Transport Minister and Acting Health Minister Dr. Jabara Al-Seraisry outlined the government’s plan to establish specialized hospitals around the country. “The authorities have approved proposals to increase the number of beds at specialist hospitals in Al-Jouf, Hail, Jeddah and Baljurashi,” he told the gathering.
Seraisry said three hospitals were now under construction in the Tabuk region, adding that the authorities have approved a 200-bed maternity and children’s hospital in Tabuk. Two new hospitals will be established in Amlaj and Dhuba next year.
Dr. Masaad Al-Atwi, who spoke on behalf of citizens, described the new hospital as a valuable Eid gift from the government to the people of Tabuk.
Earlier yesterday, Prince Sultan opened the Tabuk College of Technology and laid the foundation stones for a higher technical institute for girls and a vocational training institute in this northwestern city.
Dr. Ali Al-Ghafees, governor of the General Organization for Technical Education and Vocational Training (GOTEVOT), said the new training projects in Tabuk would cost SR600 million. Tabuk Governor Prince Fahd ibn Sultan and Labor Minister Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi attended the ceremony.
Later, Prince Sultan laid the foundation stone for a housing project for the staff of King Faisal Airbase. On Saturday, he distributed to deserving people keys of housing units established under Prince Fahd ibn Sultan Social Program.
