Cultural center in Jubail named after King Abdullah

Jubail: The new cultural center in Jubail built by the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu has been named after Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thunayan Al-Saud, chairman of the commission, said recently that royal approval had been granted for the naming of the center. He made the announcement after signing five developmental contracts in Jubail Industrial City.

He thanked King Abdullah for granting the approval and supporting the commission, which has helped economic growth in the region. Prince Saud said the commission wanted to honor King Abdullah for helping to develop the cities of the royal commission. The commission built the center to hold cultural and social activities in Jubail Industrial City, he said.

The center consists of a theater hall that can accommodate over 1,200 people, a 1,600-square-meter exhibition lounge, two reception halls, a conference room for about 100 people, administrative offices, a parking lot for 2,000 cars, a helipad and other facilities.

"The naming of the center has coincided with the commission's 40th anniversary." He said the commission has helped ensure that the Kingdom is now one of the world's leading producers of petrochemical products. The commission was established by King Khalid in Ramadan in 1975. It was tasked to create and manage the two largest industrial cities in the world. The royal decree included the establishment of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, a gas project by Saudi Aramco, and a gas and oil pipeline project for Yanbu City, which were collectively called the Golden Triangle.

 The commission took a major step in 2003 when King Abdullah launched Jubail 2 and Yanbu 2. The king laid the foundation stones for both projects the following year. This has seen investments in the  cities grow from SR300 billion to SR900 billion. The commission provides education, health, recreation, environment services and other facilities for its employees. Since 2010, it is also responsible for the Ras Al-Khair City development.