The Energy Exhibit at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) stands as both a cultural and educational landmark, offering visitors a deep dive into the history of oil extraction in Saudi Arabia and its transformative role in the nation’s development.
This exhibit traces the journey of the oil industry, highlighting the pivotal stages that have shaped the Kingdom’s growth and prosperity, all thanks to visionary leadership that placed great emphasis on this key sector.
Established in 1963, the exhibit has attracted numerous high-profile visitors over the years, including British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in September 1991, Chinese President Jiang Zemin in November 1999, and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in February 2001.
Since its inception, the exhibit has aimed to educate citizens about the oil industry’s history and development, showcasing the stages of production, refining, and marketing.
It offers a comprehensive view of the petroleum industry and Saudi Arabia's broader industrial landscape.
Visitors can explore a range of questions, such as: How did Saudi Arabia come to have such vast oil reserves? What methods led to the discovery of oil? How is it produced, transported, refined, and distributed? Moreover, what are the latest innovations shaping the future of the industry?
The exhibit features 67 interactive screens, offering engaging content on past and present achievements in the oil sector, as well as the challenges the industry faces moving forward.
It takes visitors on a journey through time, from the ancient rock formations deep underground that house oil, to modern-day drilling operations in the desert, and all the way to the Kingdom's refineries and alternative energy solutions for the future.
Additionally, the exhibit includes a theater where films, performances, and various events are held, including celebrations for global observances like the International Day of Mathematics.