A Man From the Kingdom

By: J.T.Anderson

Every so often, a story emerges that demands to be told— one that resonates with significance and carries the potential to inspire generations. Such is the story of Ahmed Al-Shebil, a visionary whose impact on the Middle East’s academic landscape has been both profound and transformative. Ahmed Al-Shebil’s dedication to establishing scientific centers throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia not only revolutionized academia but also reshaped the socio-economic fabric of numerous countries in the region.

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About The Book

Sheila Grinell

Founding President and CEO, Arizona Science Center, Emerita

This is the inspirational story of a man from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who dedicated 25 years to achieving his grand vision of advancing science learning and teaching in his country. Through perseverance and persuasion, he guided his countrymen into establishing a network of interactive science centers and learning laboratories that integrate formal and informal learning in ground-breaking ways. The book chronicles the many obstacles he faced and the journeys he took to analyze precedents around the world. The result: a model for science education that has been recognized globally and will influence the field of science education for years to come.

Topics covered in the book

Early Years

 Unaizah Al-Qassim is a quiet and tranquil city that is deeply rooted in history, whose people are characterized by solidarity, cooperation and altruism., The city is known for its culture and is famous for its literature, and a number of writers, scholars, and statesmen have emerged from its people. Unaizah is about 350 kilometers away from the capital, Riyadh.

The Startup

Embarking on a transformative journey, my family’s relocation from A l Qassim to the bustling cityscape of Riyadh marked a significant turning point. The catalyst behind this move was my father’s professional transition, catapulting us into a world of new opportunities and experiences. Settling into the vibrant rhythm of the capital, I found myself enrolled in Al-Salhiya School, commencing my educational voyage from the foundational first primary grade.

Time at King Saud University

In the initial strides of my journey, my parents, After God’s grace, were the architects of my foundation, smoothing the jagged edges that came my way; they have played a huge role in what I am today. I distinctly remember the day I packed my bag and set forth for Riyadh, where the University City became my second home. Nestled in the Faculty of Education’s chemistry department at King Saud University, my enthusiasm for studying chemistry was staunch, as my passion aligned with it. Subscribers

Knack for Teaching

The pinnacle of my academic odyssey unfolded in 1991 when I graduated with honors. Despite the tantalizing offer to pursue postgraduate studies leading to a master’s and doctorate, my firm passion for teaching beckoned me back to Unaizah. The study years had been marked by a sense of estrangement, prompting a quest for a more stable life. This quest crystallized in the prioritization of starting my own family. Fate smiled upon me as the Ministry of Education, recognizing my standing as a superior graduate in a rare specialization, appointed me close to Unaizah.

The Innovation

As our efforts flourished, the Ministry took notice, leading to a significant decision in 1998—the establishment of a new department within the administration called the “Department of Scientific Activity.” Several teachers, including myself, were nominated to serve as educational supervisors in the Education Administration. I transitioned into this new role, assuming the position of supervisor of scientific activity.

The Dream

The dream shimmered like a desert mirage, tantalizingly close yet perpetually out of reach. We craved a scientific oasis, a luminous beacon of knowledge amidst the sun-baked dunes of Unaizah. Yet, reality gnawed at the edges of our vision. A simple donation of 100,000 Riyals, a gift from the generous Sheikh Saleh Elhadyan, Elzamel, and a plot of land, vast and empty, were our simple offerings to the gods of science. How could we conjure a Scientific Center, a shimmering constellation of a scientific club, a planetarium, exhibition halls, and training grounds from such arid soil?

The opportunity

Unaizah’s winds whispered our ambitions to the Administration of Education, whose ears perked with wonder. They became our first champions, their support a fertile ground for our seed to sprout. Enter His Excellency General Abdulla Al-Salim, the Governor of Unaizah, a man whose love for his city matched our love for science. He grasped our vision, his enthusiasm a warm desert breeze propelling us forward.

The Birth of the Science Center

Together with my dedicated colleague Adel Elhedaiby and the talented team at ERSAA, we embarked on a voyage of endless revisions. Days bled into nights as we poured over sketches, meticulously sculpting the center from the clay of dreams. Every line, every curve, became a brushstroke, painting our shared ambition onto the canvas of Unaizah’s future.

Tsunami , Indonesia

At the end of 2004, Indonesia was struck by a devastating earthquake, followed by a violent tsunami that destroyed many cities, displaced millions, and caused immense loss of life. The global community quickly rallied to provide aid to the afflicted, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia extended an air bridge from Riyadh to Jakarta to transport food, medicine, and clothing.

I received a phone call offering me the assignment of working in Indonesia as Vice President of the Saudi

Zamil Science Oasis

working hard to expand the project, leveraging the experiences I gained in Indonesia. I contacted Zamil Holding Group and proposed they contribute to the scientific center project by establishing a scientific exhibition hall. The Zamil family generously agreed to build an independent Museum of Scientific Exhibits integrated with the scientific center, named after their father Abdullah Zamil. This significant development was a qualitative leap for the project, leading to coordinated meetings and studies to realize the vision of the Science Oasis.

The Milset Organization

This conference was where I met Mr. Jean Claude. I was particularly honored to meet him as he was the head of the World Milset Organization, a global organization dedicated to encouraging youth. engagement in science and technology. We interacted multiple times at the conference, and I had the privilege of getting to know him better and internalizing his views on the scientific community and its novelty projects.

The Big Breakthrough

In 2008, the King Abdullah Project for the Development of Education was launched. This qualitative project differed significantly from previous educational initiatives by the Ministry of Education, aiming to serve and develop education in the Kingdom by fostering holistic human development. This initiative aligned with emphasizing education as the foundation for building a knowledge economy that could propel the Kingdom to compete with developed countries and engage future generations in building an advanced society.
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Awards

A S T C

The Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards, which have been awarded each year since 2005 …

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The Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards, which have been awarded each year since 2005, are presented annually to ASTC members and/or their employees in recognition of extraordinary accomplishments in Visitor Experience, Business Practice, and Leadership in the Field

M I L S E T

Every year, MILSET recognizes volunteers, members and partners …

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Every year, MILSET recognizes volunteers, members and partners who have made outstanding contributions to the organisation or its programs at the, regional, national or international level.

The following MILSET Awards celebrate the accomplishment of its mission “Networking youth science organisations globally to promote the importance of science and technology in society”

S T E M

The Derek Gray Medal is presented, during the MILSET Expo-Sciences International …

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The Derek Gray Medal is presented, during the MILSET Expo-Sciences International, to an individual outstanding contribution to the movement and its activities or the long term investment of an individual to the movement.

This award has been created in memory of Derek Gray from South Africa.

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By: J.T.Anderson

Every so often, a story emerges that demands to be told— one that resonates with significance and carries the potential to inspire generations.

Such is the story of Ahmed Al-Shebil, a visionary whose impact on the Middle East’s academic landscape has been both profound and transformative.

Ahmed Al-Shebil’s dedication to establishing scientific centers throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia not only revolutionized academia but also reshaped the socio-economic fabric of numerous countries in the region.

His journey is marked by unwavering commitment and far- reaching influence, stemming from a deep belief in the transformative power of education and research.

He envisioned a region where innovation and scientific inquiry could thrive, addressing local challenges and contributing to global progress.

My encounter with Ahmed Al-Shebil began when he received an award from the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) in Washington, D.C. The ceremony celebrated innovators and leaders who had made remarkable contributions to the scientific community.

Ahmed Al-Shebil’s calm demeanor and profound humility, combined with the respect he commanded from his peers, piqued my interest.
Intrigued by his achievements, I delved into his story, uncovering a journey filled with tireless dedication to A

MAN FROM THE KINGDOM

expanding and enhancing science centers across Saudi Arabia. His initiatives were reshaping the educational landscape, making high-quality science education accessible to students from all backgrounds through scholarships, outreach programs, and community projects. His mission to democratize science and inspire future generations was becoming a reality.

Meeting Ahmed Al-Shebil and learning about his vast and multifaceted experiences revealed the extraordinary nature of his journey.

It became evident that his contributions were not just advancing the scientific community but were also making a significant impact on society at large.

His story is one of immense importance, deserving to be highlighted and celebrated.
This memoir chronicles Ahmed Al-Shebil’s remarkable achievements and the legacy he is building for future generations.

His work exemplifies the power of visionary thinking and the profound impact one individual can have on the world. As we explore his journey, we are reminded of the incredible feats that humanity is capable of achieving, often with limited resources and access to knowledge.

The story of Ahmed Al-Shebil is not just about one man’s accomplishments; it is a testament to the potential within us all to inspire change and make a lasting difference.

It is a story that needs to be told, celebrated, and emulated, serving as a beacon of hope and progress for future generations.