Al-Baha Beekeepers Giving Both Economy and Ecology a Boost

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August 28, 2019 Vol. LXXIV, No. 33 a weekly Saudi Aramco publication for employees protecting and G-Camp offers real enhancing coral reefs world experiences Saudi Aramco’s Environmental Protection Educators from across the United States Department has deployed more than 2,700 created lifelong memories by participating in artificial reefs throughout the Arabian Gulf to Texas A&M’s 2019 Geology Camp that was help rebuild marine ecosystems, and that number sponsored by Aramco. The G-camp, featuring will continue to rise with more deployments Aramco geologists, saw the educators visit planned for the southern Red Sea as well. sites across Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.

see page 4 see page 5 sweet success al-Baha beekeepers giving both economy and ecology a boost

supported by Saudi Aramco, more than beekeepers in the Kingdom are finding a reliable livelihood for themselves and their families see pages 6 and 7

OPEC basket Saudi Aramco technical experts five-week price trend 2019 by the numbers at your fingertips $ 64.27 63.85 57.98 59.13 59.67 New piloted online system, “Ask Expert,” recently launched allows Saudi Aramco employees to seek out subject matter experts for knowledge on a 50,000 seedlings have been planted at five variety of topics — both technical and sites in the past few years in the nontechnical. al-Baha region, resulting in new bee see page 2 populations, which has also assisted in July 26 Aug. 2 Aug. 9 Aug. 16 Aug. 23 the development of vegetation. August 28, 2019 the arabian sun 2 company news technical experts at your fingertips new piloted online system launched by Janet Pinheiro Dhahran — Have you ever had a technical, or even nontechnical work question, Business Objectives but could not find an expert to answer it? A newly piloted online system, “Ask Ex- pert,” is here to help you quickly get answers for those challenging questions. Establish collaboration The recently launched system, serviced by nominated experts and hosted on Saudi Introduce a fast way between employees Aramco’s intranet, “Ask Expert” is a smart and SMEs way for the company’s employees to share to get answers to knowledge in a controlled environment. technical questions Put together by the Engineering Support Department through the Corporate Knowl- edge Management Board, manager Khalid Build knowledge K. Onaizi said the online system delivers expert answers for different types of techni- Effective base cal and nontechnical questions, and keeps utilization of the answers for the benefit of everyone. “We can all share the knowledge as the corporate SMEs’ questions and answers are retained in the time and effort system, providing the business with an on- going knowledge repository,” said Onaizi. fast access to knowledgeable experts Since launching the “Ask Expert” pilot Standardize the earlier this year with five departments — Adopting the questions and Management and Professional Develop- best practice ment, Consulting Services, Drilling Techni- answer process cal, Power Systems, and Inspection — 91 users have joined, 67 questions have been asked, with 133 replies. when it suited my schedule, received the parency that indicates how many questions Many core business areas are among the ‘user friendly’ answer when I was free, and the informa- and answers each department receives.” 23 disciplines created from the five depart- When Management and Professional tion is retained for everyone’s benefit.” The Corporate Knowledge Management ments participating in the pilot system, in- Development Department career counselor Both a user and coordinator for “Ask Ex- Board — composed of more than 26 man- cluding drilling fluids, projects inspection Ian Allahar tried out “Ask Expert” in July, pert,” Khalid S. Al Ghamdi, Power Systems agers from various company areas and mechanical, corrosion, metallic, and non- he received a response the next day. Engineering Department supervisor, said chaired by the Engineering Services chief metallic. “It’s an excellent method to collaborate the process for using the system is clear engineer — advises the way forward for Experts are nominated by participating directly with company experts,” said Alla- and easy. the online system is a companywide roll- departments, and the pilot system has a har. “I was able to make a more informed “The system is user-friendly,” said Al out. moderated workflow, with a two-day turn- decision as my question went directly to a Ghamdi. “I like the interface, and the re- around performance indicator. subject matter expert, and I received an ac- sponse I received was very fast.” interested in participating? Knowledge Management Unit business curate and up-to-date response within 24 From the comfort of your workstation, systems analyst Hussah I. Alsultan said hours.” statistical transparency you can visit https://askexpert/Pages/Home. “Ask Expert” came about after a team ex- When asking an “Ask Expert” question, Describing “Ask Expert” as an excellent aspx, and ask a Saudi Aramco subject mat- amined the latest practice for answering Workover Engineering Department drilling concept because it can retain information ter expert to share their world leading ex- employees’ technical questions. engineer Abdullah E. Noaimi said the pro- for years, Inspection Department engineer- pertise. “Ask Expert eliminates old methods like cess was very quick. ing specialist and system expert Khalid S. All Saudi Aramco departments can re- the phone and email to obtain expert an- “I received a timely answer and it was Al-Ghamdi said, “One of the beauties of quest to participate in “Ask Expert” by swers, and builds a knowledge base of convenient,” said Noaimi. “Instead of ar- the new system is always the technical dis- sending a request to AskExpertAdmins@ questions and answers,” said Alsultan. ranging a meeting, I asked the question cussion. It is equipped with statistical trans- Exchange.Aramco.com.sa.

your voice the importance of signaling when driving

If driving was a competition, who may not apply to our country; howev- A very good defensive driving strat- you are competing with? Is there a er, a lack of signaling is playing a major egy is to never merge beside another prize for the winner? Or do you just factor in Saudi Arabia’s road accidents. vehicle and to never let another vehicle want to be first? If there is a vehicle next to you at- merge into you. Always remain back a Treat your vehicle as a sanctuary, tempting to change lanes using sig- little bit and leave space so that they leave aggressive driving behind, and nals, let it pass to deliver the message can pass in front of, or behind, you. please respect signaling when driving. of respecting others’ signaling. By re- There are new drivers almost ev- If you are fighting traffic, you are al- specting others’ signals, your signals erywhere these days, and they can ways going to lose. By signaling, we will be respected too. This respect will get anxious as soon as they put their communicate to each other on the also help us to avoid small crashes and signals on because they think that road about our upcoming intentions. other major accidents. they don’t have much time to turn or by Huda A. Albheeri This keeps us and other drivers safe Also, applying the two second rule change lanes. As a defensive driver, Dhahran and helps to prevent accidents. that works with any speed limit is use- you should give them the space and [email protected] According to a study conducted by ful and gives others time to decide and time to maneuver. The Society of Automotive Engineers, check their blind spots before turning Driving is a social activity and we neglecting turn signals in the United or changing lanes. In case something must work together to be able to do it Your Voice reflects the thoughts and opinions of the writer, and not necessarily those of the States causes about two million crash- goes wrong, you will have enough safely. It can be a pleasure if we don’t publication. es per year. Sure, this huge number time and space to maneuver. treat it like a competition. the arabian sun August 28, 2019 company news 3 ‘everyone’s responsibility’ five-day boot camp conducted by Corporate Maintenance Services looks to promote sustainable reliability culture Al-Khobar — Corporate Maintenance Services (CMS), under the sponsorship from the Abqaiq Plants Maintenance Depart- ment, recently held the Fifth Reliability Boot Camp workshop to help front-line manage- During the ment and professionals from operating and service admin areas to promote a sustain- workshop, the able culture of reliability within their organizations. The five-day boot camp, held at a hotel participants within in al-Khobar, marked a departure from pre- vious sessions with the participants for this cross-functional session comprised of supervisors instead of division heads to inculcate the culture of teams were reliability to wider functions within Saudi Aramco. The supervisors were carefully se- provided with the lected to include diverse functions of main- Ramadan Al-Zahrani, who is with Saudi Aramco’s Power Systems Engineering Department, delivered tenance, operations, and engineering. a presentation on the current reliability challenges faced by organizations, what actions or steps that opportunity to The goal of the boot camp is to improve might be taken to address any gaps, and ensuring that the appropriate tools are available for the the company’s already strong record in effective implementation of solutions. (Photo: Yara Ziyad/MPD) discuss and present maintenance, and to create a more holis- tic culture of reliability with an impetus to Services vice president and Saudi Aram- ing that he attended the second reliability optimize business processes, reduce costs, co Maintenance Council chairman, and boot camp and how it helped in widening the existing reality and operate at maximum productivity and Abqaiq Plants Maintenance manager, Sami the horizon of promoting the reliability cul- effectiveness. S. Al-Huwais, as well as CMS director Ab- ture and its implementation. of reliability, and During the workshop, the participants dulrahman S. Al-Faqeeh. within cross-functional teams were provided During one of the engagement sessions, challenge the current mindset devise actionable with the opportunity to discuss and present Al-Gouhi underscored the importance of Boot camp facilitator Fareed Z. Kamfar the existing reality of reliability, and devise participation by cross-functional team mem- spoke about the concept of reliability, and solutions toward actionable solutions toward improving the bers in the workshop, to holistically instill what it means to each of the participants overall culture of reliability within their busi- the culture of reliability, and cultivate the when applying it within their respective improving the ness areas. belief that “reliability is everyone’s respon- organizations. He emphasized the need to The boot camp workshop was attend- sibility.” “Challenge the current mindset and treat overall culture of ed by Abdulhakim A. Al-Gouhi, Industrial reliability as a priority within the organiza- strategic approach tion.” Al-Gouhi stressed “the importance of a Over the course of the five days, partici- reliability within strategic approach toward reliability imple- pants were able to interact with a number mentation, comprising of a dedicated focus, of subject matter experts from different their business areas. strategic clarity, and structure. In addition, functional areas of predictive maintenance, a reasonable time frame is essential for the turnaround and inspection, and Fourth In- sustenance of a culture of reliability.” dustrial Revolution maintenance and reli- Al-Huwais provided valuable insight from ability technologies to enrich their existing his vast experience on the importance of knowledge and raise their awareness to- collaboration from different organizational ward recent developments in these fields. functions in contributing toward the overall The workshop also included an interactive goal of achieving safe and reliable opera- session on work life balance from the Hu- tions. He suggested that the workshop in- man Energy Management team. clude even more diverse position holders so Participants agreed the program was very Fareed Z. Kamfar, facilitator of the recent Fifth that the importance of reliability is realized helpful in deepening their understanding of Reliability Boot Camp workshop, emphasized the need to “challenge the current mindset at various levels of the organization. the importance of reliability and they saw and treat reliability as a priority within the Al-Faqeeh shared with the team the posi- numerous ways to integrate reliability in the organization.” (Photo: Nadiah Buobaid/MPD) tive impact of attending such an event, not- workplace. Sada Toastmasters Club looks to boost communication, leadership skills Kingdom, and global levels. He added that Toastmasters certificates are accredited as one of the company’s training courses and registered accordingly. Al Jawad stated that with 44 members, the Sada club is the largest registered club in terms of founding members, which is in- dicative of the security employees’ enthusiasm in developing their communication and leadership skills. Al Jawad also praised the efforts made since the early stages of the club and explained the development Almost three dozen employees from the Northern Area Industrial Security Operations Department pose following the inauguration of the Sada club opportunities the club can offer through — the first Toastmasters club dedicated to Industrial Security employees. educational programs available online. Al Jawad further advised that the com- Sada, the first Toastmasters club dedicat- Jawad, current president of Saudi Aramco’s innovations in the fields of safety and secu- petition season begins in several areas in ed to Industrial Security employees, was Toastmasters clubs, for the distinguished in- rity,” said Al Suhaimi, adding the initiative January and ends in April, with winners recently inaugurated, with more than 44 auguration ceremony. is also in line with the company’s goal to qualifying to compete in the world champi- from the Northern Area Industrial Security “The human element in Saudi Aramco raise productivity through self-development onship in August. Operations Department (NAISOD) joining. is our biggest asset, and it needs support programs. At the inauguration ceremony, Sada club Jaber A. Al Suhaimi, NAISOD manager, and development. The new Toastmasters Almadi presented on how the club can members held a demonstration meeting on thanked Soliman M. Almadi, a former pres- initiative supports Industrial Security em- contribute to the development skills of how to conduct an official meeting, and Al ident and current consultant of Toastmas- ployees in the skills of communication and members. It can eventually enable them Suhaimi recognized the participants in the ters clubs in Saudi Aramco, and Rami M. Al leadership, and helps them provide their to compete in various forums at regional, demonstration. August 28, 2019 the arabian sun 4 company news green matters a coral bouquet Saudi Aramco’s efforts to protect and enhance coral reefs

by Tyas Hikmawan In 2018, artificial reefs were deployed at True to its size, Saudi Aramco has tak- both Safaniyah and Al Khafji — 1,220 arti- en massive steps to conserve and enhance ficial reef units at Safaniyah and 459 units biodiversity. at Al Khafji. This includes roping off huge swathes This effort contributes to the company’s of land rich in flora and fauna from devel- total deployment of over 2,728 artificial opment, even reintroducing large-bodied reefs — a number that will continue to species such as the Arabian oryx, gazelle, rise — as more deployments are planned and ostrich in some parts — namely the for the southern Red Sea. Shaybah Wildlife Sanctuary. The company has also planted millions partnerships of mangrove trees along the coastal areas At a higher level, partnerships with or- of the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea that will ganizations such as the Smithsonian Insti- absorb noteworthy amounts of carbon di- tution have helped the company develop oxide from the atmosphere, while terres- a deeper understanding of critical factors trial tree plantings will yield many positive needed to ensure and promote conserva- impacts across the Kingdom, including tion of biodiversity in Saudi Arabia, includ- combatting desertification by halting the ing artificial reefs. advance of sand. Additionally, the Environmental Protec- But did you know the company has tion Department, in collaboration with the spent the last several years protecting and Saudi Aramco-KAUST Center for Marine Saudi Aramco has deployed approximately 1,000 tons of artificial reefs throughout the Arabian enhancing undersea life via the deploy- Environmental Observations, presented a Gulf to help rebuild marine ecosystems, while also supporting the local fisheries industry. To date, ment of artificial reefs? research paper on coral reef monitoring more than 2,700 artificial reefs have been deployed, and that number will continue to rise as more deployments are planned for the southern Red Sea. Saudi Aramco has deployed roughly in the Red Sea during the 4th Asia-Pacific 1,000 tons of artificial reefs throughout Coral Reef Symposium last year. the Arabian Gulf to help rebuild marine The symposium grouped participants Topics such as management of marine ly relevant to Saudi Aramco due to the ecosystems as well as support the local from more than 30 countries to develop protected areas, sustainable fisheries, cor- amount of company activities near coral fisheries industry. solutions to better manage coral reefs. al transplantation, and nurseries are high- reefs and other valuable habitats.

“green matters” is a regular column offered by the Environmental Protection Department highlighting challenges and potential solutions to some of the most pressing environmental issues of the day. engagement session with contractors in Yanbu’ emphasizes importance of psychological safety participants from 25 contracting compa- living conditions a key nies, as well as management from the Yan- factor in morale, safety bu’ Refinery Department (YRD). Among YRD maintenance superintendent Amjad those attending were owners, general M. Bougis recommended that contractors managers, operational managers, and safe- work on upgrading existing camps or plan ty managers. for mobilization into Yanbu’ Royal Commis- sion built camps. safety is far more than PPE Bougis also encouraged them to work on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is boosting the morale and welfare of their just the minimum required level of safety, workers, and follow that up by sharing the said YACU contract adviser Noor A. Khan. effectiveness of their efforts and accom- A much deeper and more effective type plishments as part of lessons learned. of safety is that which is rooted in a degree Sultan G. Miswak, senior supervisor of of “care, respect, recognition, and appreci- Ras Tanura Cluster Shared Services, Con- ation” toward workers, said Khan. tracting Section, appreciated the effort be- “Poor quality of food, poor accommo- hind the principle of improving the psycho- dations, faulty and substandard transpor- logical health of workers, and he advised tation, delays in salary payments, lack of other units to communicate and promote Noor A. Khan, a contracts adviser with the Yanbu’ — When it comes to safety, psy- training and appreciation — these are some the same concept and encourage vendors Yanbu’ Area Contracting Unit, addresses the participants of a recent seminar designed to chological safety is as important as physical of the factors that demoralize workers,” in their areas to embrace it as well. help employees realize the importance of safety. said Khan, adding that such treatment The vendors, while reflecting upon the psychological safety, as well as physical safety. The Yanbu’ Area Contracting Unit slowly transforms workers even equipped success of the seminar, noted they appre- (YACU), led by Salem R. Rehaili, recently with the best PPE into a threat “to them- ciated the “outside-of-the-box” initiative. conducted a seminar for contractors work- selves, their co-workers, management, and They also offered their full support to work ing with Saudi Aramco in the Yanbu’ area the plants where they work.” with YRD management and other stake- under the theme “Let’s Strive for a Work- Khan emphasized that health care, finan- holders to achieve the desired objective of place Physically Safe, with a Workforce Psy- cial security, appreciation, and continual a safe workplace through a psychologically chologically Healthy.” engagement helps motivate workers and healthy workforce. The event, which sought to engage con- keeps up their morale — in turn helping to Khan extended his gratitude to YRD tractor management on these key safety cultivate a safe working environment and management for sponsoring the event and elements, was attended by more than 70 higher profitability for companies. helping to make it a success. the arabian sun August 28, 2019 company news 5 Aramco sponsored ‘G-Camp’ offers invaluable geology experience for U.S. educators by Tré McLeod Timothy College Station, TX — Thirty American Diggs, a senior science teachers recently went on an edu- geological consultant with cational trek across the southwestern U.S. ASC Upstream, in a geology program that combines class- interacts with G-Camp is part of room learning with real world experiences educators at sponsored by Houston-based Aramco Ser- the Kasha- Aramco’s extensive vices Company (ASC). Katuwe Tent Rocks National Founded in 2007, the annual Geology Monument. efforts to support Camp (G-Camp) is a Texas A&M University program investing in the professional de- and enable STEM velopment of teachers, and in turn, enrich- ing the classroom experience for students. “I could not have asked for a better education programs teaching laboratory than this field camp,” said Bonnie Keller, a G-Camp participant around the world to from Virginia. “The fact that they give up a part of alumni form strong bonds, their summer vacation to come out here empower the next trip of a lifetime and learn how to better nurture their stu- Teachers for grades 5-12 from all around online ‘G-Camp’ community dents — shows a lot of dedication to what generation of the U.S. traveled to College Station, Tex- Giardino joked that G-Camp is infec- they do.” as and spent 17 days trekking to national tious, saying the goal is to infect teachers Aramco has been a major sponsor of researchers and parks in Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico. with “geological enthusiasm.” G-Camp for more than a decade. The pro- Along the way, they learned about geo- Science teachers in the U.S. are expected gram’s popularity with teachers and alum- scientists. logic mapping, gathered rock specimens to teach a year of geology, which can be ni has resulted in the creation of an active for their classrooms, and visited sites of a daunting task since college curriculums online social media community through geologic phenomena. During the journey, typically do not go beyond a three-hour Facebook. — Timothy Diggs the group started at 300 feet above sea geology focused course. With more than 30 teachers instructing level and ascended to altitudes of more Giardino added that his favorite part hundreds of students each year, G-Camp than 12,000 feet. about G-Camp is interacting with the has influenced tens of thousands of stu- Texas A&M University’s Rick Giardino teachers and watching their passion for dents — perhaps future geoscientists — (geomorphology), and Mike Pope (carbon- the subject grow. and counting. ate sedimentology), Department of Ge- ology and Geophysics, selected locations G-Camp designed to equip teachers with knowl- participants edge to meet national school curriculum from across standards. the U.S. For four days, Timothy Diggs, a senior pose in front of geological consultant with ASC Upstream, the striking joined G-Camp participants to offer indus- canyon walls try insights. at Red Rock “Aramco is very passionate about having Canyon Trail students develop through time to become in Jemez Pueblo, New potential geoscientists in any number of Mexico. fields,” said Diggs. “G-Camp is part of Aramco’s extensive efforts to support and enable STEM education programs around the world to empower the next generation of researchers and scientists.”

Jazan Refinery Complex hosts day of appreciation for the elderly

With citizenship and corporate social responsibility in mind, employees with the Jazan Refinery conducted a special day of appreciation for the elderly at the Jazan Area Elderly Rehabilitation Center.

Jazan — Committed to corporate so- tion Center. in having the company’s employees agement, for putting on the event. cial responsibility, several employees at Hisham Shah, manager of the Engi- demonstrate social responsibility, build The event, which took place at a Jazan the Jazan Refinery Complex (JRC) — neering Department at the Jazan Refin- social relationships, and support com- area hotel, was attended by 55 partic- with the support of Saudi Aramco Af- ery, delivered opening remarks at the munities while serving as role models. ipants who enjoyed a night of cultural fairs — recently held a special day of ap- event. Khalid Muafa, manager of the center, heritage, folklore activities, and dinner. preciation for elderly men and women Addressing the participants, Shah expressed his appreciation to JRC per- The whole program was well-received by from the Jazan Area Elderly Rehabilita- spoke about Saudi Aramco’s values sonnel, as well as Saudi Aramco man- attendees, and the community as well. August 28, 2019 the arabian sun 6 cover story

sweetby Musleh Al-Khathami success (Photos: Habeeb Al Hadad and Mohammed Alshaikh/MPD)

Al-Baha — Man’s relationship with bees and collecting their honey goes back thousands of years, with drawings of such activity seen in cave drawings. During the long journey from primi- tive life to civilization, man has learned how to raise bees to increase the production of honey, and it has become an industry that produces a reliable source of income in many regions around the world. Among those regions is the al-Baha area in the southern part of Saudi Ara- bia, which has proven to be an ideal place for beekeeping. Flowers and trees vary between the temperate Sarawat Mountains in summer and the warm Ti- hama plains in winter. Despite the succession of generations to beekeeping in the region, the profession has remained a modest craft in terms of production, marketing, and economic return for quite some time. The initiative of Saudi Aramco to support beekeepers in the area, in coopera- tion with the Association of Beekeepers Cooperative in al-Baha, has raised the profile of the profession. Beekeepers are being trained in modern beekeeping methods, and have been provided with the necessary tools and equipment of A tour of the basil plant at the Desert Plant Nursery, established under the Saudi Aramco initiative, reveals seemingly endless rows of seedlings that are distributed free of charge to beekeepers and citizens alike. The nursery provides 100,000 seedlings per year of 30 species of trees that are the highest international quality stan- fed by bees, such as seder, talh, rosemary, and others. dards to ply their craft. The end result from supporting youth interested in beekeeping has created a steady source of income for many, and In al-Baha, beehives are made of Swedish has seen the profession develop into a wood in scientific substantial contributor to the economy and efficient ways in the region. that help to increase honey production to The creation of numerous jobs in this protect local trees. field has also made a significant contri- Also, a blacksmith bution to the ecological balance in the workshop for the region by increasing the number of bees manufacturing of beekeepers’ and trees in the area. requirements, and a A tour of the basil plant at the Des- laboratory to examine ert Plant Nursery, established under the and sort honey and fill it with the latest Saudi Aramco initiative, reveals seem- tools and scientific ingly endless rows of seedlings that are methods, have been distributed free of charge to beekeepers established. and citizens alike. The nursery provides 100,000 seedlings per year of 30 species of trees that are fed by bees, such as seder, talh, rosemary, and others. A total of 50,000 seedlings have been planted in five sites in the past few years, resulting in new bee populations, which has also assisted in the development of vegetation in the Mohammed A. Al-Shaer, region. 59, puts his crop of The Association of Beekeepers Co- honey into one of the honey-sorting machines operative has established a workshop inside the Beekeepers for those new to the profession, high- Cooperative Society lighting the latest tools and scientific in al-Baha. Al-Shaer’s methods. Also provided is a laboratory interest in beekeeping started as a hobby and for testing honey, and packaging of the then he completed final product has also been developed. three specialized Along with the support from Saudi Ar- courses provided by the association to make amco, this has all added up to a thriv- beekeeping a source of ing industry in the Kingdom, and many income. young Saudis — especially in the al-Ba- ha region — are seizing the opportunity and making the most of it. the arabian sun August 28, 2019 cover story 7 supported by Saudi Aramco, al-Baha beekeepers giving both economy and ecology a boost

Al-Baha honey is available in a number of outlets in the Kingdom, including Dhahran.

Raed Al Khater presents one of the “honeycomb” products during the 12th International Honey Festival in al-Baha, where 18 members of the association displayed their honey production.

Musab A. Odeh, 23, who owns his own honey shop in al-Baha, is one of more than 700 citizens in the region who have benefited from an initiative that provides training and support on the basics of beekeeping. The goal for the initiative is to train and support 900 citizens by 2020.

Omar A. Al-Hassan and Mut’ab A. Al-Ghamdi, two young men from the al-Baha area, examine beehives in the city of Baljurashi. August 28, 2019 the arabian sun 8 community

Dhahran Recreation Library hosts annual event for parents and students back to school by Julie Scott (Photos: Ding/MPD)

Dhahran — For thousands of Saudi Ar- ing information from education, health, dren’s coloring books featuring drawings amco elementary and middle school stu- and vision experts, as well as easy access and characters preventing accidents. dents, summer is now a recent memory as to things such as school supplies.” schoolchildren have traded sleeping in late Several Saudi Aramco organizations health topics addressed and swimming pools for books and back- were part of the back to school event. Fire- Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare packs. fighters from the Fire Protection Depart- (JHAH) sent three service units to the The same will be true for Saudi students ment answered questions and provided event. who start their new school year next Sun- handouts with tips and instructions about Dental Services provided tooth models day. how to prevent fires at home and work. and spoke with attendees about the im- To help families and students prepare for The children walked away with their own portance of good oral hygiene. Poor oral the school year, the Dhahran Recreation firefighter hat as a gift. hygiene can not only affect your smile, but Library hosted its annual back to school Gardening and Recycling educated at- your overall physical health as well. Spe- event on Aug. 23 and 24 in the Ad Diwan tendees about the serious state of our cialists helped guests “brush up” on their Building. The event opened with an official world’s environment and how doing sim- technique for brushing and flossing to help ribbon cutting officiated by Halah T. Albe- ple things can make a positive impact. Vis- keep teeth and gums healthy and strong. tairi, administrator for the Dhahran Recre- itors to that table received a free, reusable JHAH Health Promotion representatives ation Services Division. shopping bag to drive home the message shared information about the harmful ef- “Going back to school is exciting for to reduce, reuse, and recycle. fects of sleep deprivation, including mood- the whole family, and we know being Members of the Traffic Safety Signature iness, depression and anxiety, lack of con- prepared for the school year will help stu- Program (TSSP) distributed information centration, poor hand-eye coordination, dent success,” said Albetairi. “Providing about following the rules of the road to forgetfulness, and anxiety. Sleep depriva- resources to make that happen is key, and ensure and increase everyone’s safety — tion can even age your brain by three to nutrition tips we are happy to see so many families here whether behind the wheel or buckled in as five years! JHAH Nutrition Services prepared an accessing the information and learning a passenger. Kids received a colorful book Tips for ensuring a good night’s sleep elaborate, interactive display complete what’s available to them.” bag as a takeaway to remember TSSP. In- included avoiding stimulants such as cof- with food models to educate and illustrate side were coloring pages and word games fee and cigarettes before going to bed, the importance of making wise decisions ‘promoting education about crosswalk safety and school bus and establishing and maintaining a sleep about what to eat, how much to eat, and and literacy’ safety. schedule — even on the weekends. At- how often to eat. Attendees were advised “It is our mission to promote education Loss Prevention representatives were tendees were also advised to avoid heavy to eat low-fat, baked foods — not fried. and literacy among all our patrons,” said on hand and offered an assortment of foods before bedtime, seek help for Among the other tips offered was using Turki N. Al Hazza, Dhahran Recreation brochures and leaflets on topics such as snoring and sleep apnea, and to turn off small plates to fool the eye and brain into Library coordinator. “The back to school avoiding slips and falls, and water safety. screens — televisions, computers, and mo- thinking you are eating more than you are, event helps each year by building a foun- Coping with cooking fires and other home bile phones — an hour before hitting the and eating three meals a day — evenly dation for that first day of school, includ- safety tips went home along with chil- pillow. spaced with a small healthy snack in be- the arabian sun August 28, 2019 community 9

tween — to keep energy and blood sugar it was from a team of medical laboratory booth captured the fun. levels stable throughout the day. specialists. They were there to talk about An army of volunteers assisted the ven- Part of the “Student Nutrition” presen- head lice — an unwelcome, but not so dors and exhibitors, storytellers and craft- tation also addressed backpacks and back unusual, issue at school. The specialists ers at the venue. Concessions provided strain. A safe backpack should weigh no emphasized that lice is not an indication complimentary dates and coffee. Sweet The back to school more than 10% of a child’s body weight, of poverty, uncleanliness, or neglect. It is and savory options were also available for so a child weighing 30 kilograms should a universal problem, and one that is easy purchase during the event. event helps each not carry more than three kilograms in a to treat. The experts shared information The Dhahran Recreation Library is the backpack. If the weight is more than that, about how to recognize, treat, and pre- flagship for 16 recreation libraries in the the best option is to use a wheeled back- vent these infestations. Saudi Aramco recreation library system. year by building a pack. Because the library is always promoting It is the place to connect, imagine, learn, reading and literacy, local authors joined read, watch, listen, make, and play. For foundation for that unique center the event to talk about their work, their more information please visit http://recli- The Shamah Center for Autism shared process, and autograph copies of their braries/ or send an email to *Recreation first day of school, information about its unique center and books. Library (DH). showcased a few of the tools used to help Activities related to literacy included sev- Patrons outside of the Saudi Aramco including students, including puzzles, a communi- eral story times with accompanying craft network can send email questions to Rec- cation system for nonverbal children, soft activities. A caricature artist and photo [email protected]. information from interlocking building blocks, and matching games. While parents talked to the ex- education, health, perts, children entertained themselves at the coloring station. The National Family Safety Program, part and vision experts, of the Ministry of Health, attended for the first time. Its presence at the event was to as well as easy share resources for families and students who may be coping with bullying, abuse, access to things or other domestic challenges. The program’s help hotline for children such as school and adults provides an understanding and compassionate person on the other end of supplies. the phone who can offer resources to help take action against these issues. — Turki N. Al Hazza Perhaps the most unexpected exhib- the arabian sun August 28, 2019 community news 10

Ithra movies in cinema Ithra Heroes Adventure

Aug. 28, 29, 31 10:30 a.m. Kung Fu Style Sept. 2, 3, 4 10:30 a.m. The plot follows Kung Fu kid Dodo Lee, who dreams of being a I am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story star at Oscar Lei’s studio but is stuck as a puppeteer in his never satisfied father’s show. When Dodo encounters superstar Kitty Aug. 28, 29, 30, 31 4:30 p.m. Mo, dream and reality clash and the pair find themselves in a fight between good and evil orchestrated by the power crazed Oscar. Red Velvet

Aug. 28, 29, 30, 31 7 p.m.

Departures Departures Aug. 29, 30 8:30 p.m. Young Salem was dissatisfied with his life and so decided to become a pigeon. He meets “Wadi” on a plane whose YOU WON’T BELIEVE YOUR EYES. destination and time of return is unknown! Kung Fu Style

Sept. 2, 3, 4 6:30 p.m.

Swan Song

Presented By

Sept. 2, 3, 4 4:45 p.m. Presented By Red Velvet

Presented By

NARRATED BY FOREST WHITAKER After a long wait, Sameer Bu Shabrain, a calm dreamer, got a

MysteriesUnseenWorld.coM career opportunity that he always dreamt of in with a prestigious company. Unfortunately, Sameer had an accident that day Energy Exhibit Theater because of a cold cup of coffee, which made him a focus of all eyes and turns his life upside down. Mysteries of the Unseen World

Sept. 2, 3, 4 6 p.m. free as a bird

Michael Angelo Z. Montes took this photograph in the backyard of his home at Najmah in Ras Tanura during one lazy Saturday afternoon last summer. Montes took a number of shots with his D3200 and was fortunate to have captured a myna in mid-flight. “I’m fond of taking pictures of nature in my spare time,” said Montes, who works at the Saudi Aramco Industrial Training Center in Ras Tanura as an assistant information security analyst in Training and Development. He has been with the company a total of 10 years — four as supplemental manpower and six as a regular Saudi Aramco employee.

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