Sabic and Prince Salman Science Oasis sign agreement for the construction of “Hall of Life” in Riyadh

The agreement was signed by Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thenayan Al-Saud, Chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu and Chairman of Sabic, and Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and Chairman of the Executive Board of Prince Salman Science Oasis. The signing ceremony was attended by Mohamed Al-Mady, Sabic Vice Chairman and CEO.

Prince Saud expressed his thanks and appreciation to Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region and patron of the Oasis. Prince Saud emphasized Sabic’s pride over receiving tributes from Prince Salman during a foundation stone laying ceremony for the Oasis on 16 March 2010.

Prince Saud also thanked Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh, for his interest and support for Sabic’s contribution to this cultural project.

Prince Saud lauded Prince Sultan for his confidence in Sabic and the selection of the company as a strategic supporter of the Oasis project. He said that Sabic was among the main supporters of the Oasis. “The partnership between Sabic and the Oasis to establish and support the Hall of Life is a true example of integration between national institutions in the support of knowledge development and scientific innovation to stimulate creative work,” he said.

The Sabic Chairman pointed out that the “Culture of Innovation” concept, which is the approach of the company toward all its business operations in the Kingdom and around the world, is also one of the main pillars of the Oasis. The Oasis aims to build the potential of society, stimulate innovation and creativity, and educate through entertainment.

Prince Saud added that Sabic’s support to establish the Hall of Life comes within the framework of highlighting the growing role of the company in the field of chemistry. It also reflects the company’s pioneering applied research in basic industries to improve all areas of life, as well as its social responsibility in encouraging scientific culture and raising technological awareness in the community.

The objective of the Oasis is to introduce the latest scientific and technical advancement in various areas and the role of Muslim scholars in scientific development, and to serve as a bridge linking the Islamic scientific heritage with modern industries. The Oasis will contribute to encouraging young people to discover the world and choose their future career as well as highlighting the importance of science in nation-building. It will also seek ways to exploit the earth's resources to achieve optimum exploitation of growth and prosperity for the future of mankind.

The Oasis project is located on 200,000 square meters of land, northwest of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in Riyadh. The Higher Commission for the Development of Riyadh oversees the design and building. The Oasis includes a reception dome, a 3D digital display dome, an administrative building with a main lobby and entrance hall, along with seven specialized scientific rooms for basic knowledge in the earth sciences, space, water, life, technology and energy. Year-round activities and science-based entertainment will be provided to all age groups in the community.