Saudi Aramco president and CEO Abdullah S. Juma'h on Monday hoped that King Abdul Aziz Center for Knowledge and Culture would be a source of enrichment that would inspire young Saudis. The groundbreaking ceremony of the Center was performed last week by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, as part of Saudi Aramco's 75th anniversary celebrations. The iconic structure will stand alongside the site of prosperity well No. 7, the first well in Saudi Arabia to yield oil in commercial quantities. This company-built center will serve the community's needs in the fields of knowledge, culture and the arts, said Juma'h, the Saudi Press Agency reported. “Knowledge creation and innovation are the most distinctive merits of any developed or pioneering societies,” said Juma'h. “By entering into knowledge and culture partnerships with leading national and international institutions, this center can be a catalyst for the progress of continuing transformation of our society into a knowledge-generating and innovation-creating one, rather than a mere consumer of such things,” he said. A Saudi Aramco initiative, the center will be open to the general public on 2012 and will serve as home to multiple facilities that will include a world-class public library and knowledge creation center. The center's library will combine digital access to information, connectivity with knowledge centers across the world and an extensive array of books and periodicals. The center's museum is envisioned to showcase the rich history and legacy of the Kingdom. Its programs and exhibits will connect the past with the future and fire the imaginations of visitors of all ages. An exhibition hall will be the focal point for showcasing cultures of the world in Saudi Arabia through exhibitions that stimulate cross-cultural engagement and appreciation. A children's education center will offer an innovative and creative museum and library designed specifically for pre-teen children and teenagers. The purpose of this facility is to spark in children a love of learning. Children will discover captivating objects and impressive multimedia exhibits that will incorporate storytelling, video, audio and self-directed study to encourage interaction and true hands-on learning. A full calendar of events throughout the year will include seminars on various subjects as well as performances of plays and musicals in the center's auditorium and outdoor facilities. Complementing the theater are various exhibition and event facilities such as exhibition halls, an outdoor amphitheater and adaptable creative spaces, recording and video studios. Reflecting Saudi Aramco's commitment to social responsibility, the center's volunteer program will harness the collective talents of the Saudi people to benefit local communities. Opportunities will abound for Saudis of all ages and experience levels to help address a variety of needs in areas such as education, healthcare, and youth leadership. __
