The Exxon Corporation offered viewers a glimpse of “Saudi Arabia Today” in this color film. The country at this time was in the process of rapid change, we are told, but one moving with the times as it recognizes new opportunities. In spite of such changes, Saudi Arabia also maintains a traditional way of life. The film takes the viewer on an aerial view, showing shining skyscrapers and oil facilities at work. At mark 02:15 we see some of the development taking place as we visit construction sites, as well as a port used for the import and export of goods at mark 03:20. At mark 05:00 we visit an industrial park in Jubail, a city in the Eastern province on the Persian Gulf coast, which we learn is a cornerstone of the country’s industrial revolution relying heavily on oil. We learn of the Bedouin beginning at mark 06:20 and see members of the Saudi royal family as we learn about the kingdom’s monarchy. By mark 10:30 the film turns its focus to the Saudi’s devotion to Allah and a continued adherence to Islamic values, even amongst progressive change, and watches while pilgrims participate in their hajj to Mecca (mark 11:45). The film visits marketplaces, fields, and farms across the provinces, and beginning at mark 17:45 looks at its education program with various classroom scenes. That includes public education for girls and women (mark 19:25). There is a visit to an advanced hospital in Riyadh (mark 21:06) and scenes from an operating room before returning to a construction site at mark 22:00, talk of community planning in Riyadh (mark 23:00), and a look at a traditional camel race (mark 24:30) as the film nears its conclusion.

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