JEDDAH: The Jeddah Science Oasis (JSO), a center of knowledge and “edutainment” located in the heart of the city, is set to become a major tourist attraction. Prince Mishaal bin Majed, the governor of Jeddah, will officially inaugurate JSO tomorrow.
“JSO educates visitors, especially children, in an attractive manner. It is an excellent addition to Jeddah’s tourist facilities,” said Mazen Belailah, chairman of the center’s board of directors, and a member of the Shoura Council.
“We have established Jeddah Science Oasis with the expertise of the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC),” Belailah said, adding that the center is spread over an area of 4,000 square meters. A Swedish company has designed its scientific contents and exhibits with the support of international consulting firms, he pointed out.
JSO has 70 exhibits distributed in eight halls. Experts from the US, Britain, the Netherlands, China and South Africa have taken part in designing its contents. “The oasis opens a new world of innovation, entertainment and fun for visitors,” Belailah said.
Located inside Al-Andalus Mall in Jeddah’s Old Airport area, JSO was established at a cost of more than SR14 million. Seven of its halls are permanent while the eighth is for traveling exhibits. The seven halls are: Physics & Maths, Kids Area, Water Games, Robotics, Human Body, Air & Aviation and Science Show.
JSO is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Saturday to Tuesday. On Thursdays visitors are allowed from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
JSO is a member of ASTC, an organization of science centers and museums dedicated to furthering the public understanding of science among increasingly diverse audiences. Founded in 1973, ASTC has now more than 540 members in 40 countries. Its members include nature centers, aquariums, planetariums, zoos, botanical gardens, space theaters, and natural history and children’s museums.
