RIYADH: The 2024 STEAM Festival which began on Monday at the King Salman Science Oasis is aimed at developing scientists, the event’s director Ahmed Salim told Arab News.
Held under the theme “Fun Chemistry” until Sept. 30, the festival aims to offer visitors an educational, informative, and entertaining experience.
There will be 100 workshops, panel discussions, live shows, and other activities in STEAM fields.
It was organized by the King Salman Science Oasis in collaboration with the ministries of education and industry and mineral resources, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
Salim, Founder of 1001 Inventions, a science and cultural heritage organization responsible for producing the STEAM Festival, told Arab News the Kingdom’s push for technological and scientific advancements means there is a “massive demand for scientists.”
He hopes STEAM will showcase the importance of science.
“We’re taking everyday objects and then we’re reverse engineering them to work out what was the chemical processes involved to create that,” he said.
“They (students) would give more value to the science of chemistry because they understand that chemistry is impacting their lives every day.”
STEAM, previously referred to as STEM, now includes art due to the unique value it has in elevating people’s approach to creating technology and engineering, Salim explained.
“We want people to create technology and create engineering projects that are also works of art themselves,” he added.
Ibtesam Badhrees, chairman of the festival’s scientific committee and chief scientist at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, said the event would strengthen the links between science, technology, industry, research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Badhrees, who also oversees programs and activities at the King Salman Science Oasis, added: “The festival also highlights local content and Saudi innovations, focusing on sustainable practices and modern technologies.
“It seeks to open new horizons for future generations in STEAM fields, in line with the strategic objectives of Vision 2030.
“The festival provides quality educational opportunities for all segments of society, including students, families, teachers, researchers, and science enthusiasts.”
The festival will have more than 25 pavilions covering the history of chemistry, modern innovations related to the petrochemical industry, future environmental challenges, and sustainable solutions that are a part of Vision 2030.
