Saudi Arabia announces plans to build futuristic city expansion.
A city of the future
Script:
Saudi Arabia has announced its plan to transform its capital, Riyadh, into one of the most livable cities on earth with its futuristic New Murabba project. Spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the project will expand the capital by 19 square kilometers and accommodate hundreds of thousands of residents. The heart of the project is the "Mukaab", a massive cube that can fit 20 Empire State buildings. The cube will offer an immersive experience with landscapes changing from outer space to green vistas. The project, which includes recreational facilities, hotels, and residential units, is set to be completed in 2030.
According to Andreas Krieg, a research fellow at the King's College London Institute of Middle Eastern Studies, Saudi Arabia is trying to shed its image as a conservative, closed-off state by pushing new narratives of being a country of development that can build futuristic cities. However, some analysts say that the kingdom faces stiff competition from neighboring Dubai and Doha, both of which have for decades positioned themselves as regional tourism and investment hubs.
"diversify the economy away from oil"
The Washington Institute's Simon Henderson said that being second in the race is always a tough place to start when you want to become the leader, and added that it is particularly difficult for Saudi Arabia because they have spent decades not attracting foreign, non-Muslim visitors.Saudi Arabia has embarked on an ambitious project to diversify the economy away from oil. However, some analysts are skeptical, saying that the kingdom may not be able to gather enough funding to fulfill its ambitions. The cost and financing plans for New Murabba have not been disclosed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which said it would announce further information in due course.
Questions:
Part 1: Comprehension
Read and summarize the article thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or False - Saudi Arabia has turned Riyadh into one of the most livable cities on earth through the New Murabba project. T/F
b) True or False - They are building 20 replica Empire State buildings in Riyadh. T/F
c) True or False - The New Murabba project will include and residential units. T/F
d) True or False - Some say Saudi Arabia will not be able to secure enough funding to complete the New Murabba project. T/F
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary/phrases.
a) "Livable"
b) "Immersive"
c) "Futuristic"
d) "Skeptical"
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a.
a) Livable:
b) Immersive:
c) Futuristic:
d) Skeptical:
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
You are a representative from a real estate development company, and you want to pitch your company's services to the Saudi Arabian government to help with the New Murabba project. You are meeting with a government official who will evaluate your proposal and decide whether to move forward with your company.
You are a Saudi Arabian citizen who lives in Riyadh, and you are concerned about how the New Murabba project will affect your community. You are attending a town hall meeting where government officials will present information about the project and answer questions from concerned citizens.
You are a tourist visiting Dubai, and you are considering whether to visit Riyadh once the New Murabba project is completed. You are talking to a travel agent who specializes in Middle Eastern travel, and you want to know more about the project and how it will impact tourism in Saudi Arabia.
Part 7: Writing Activity
Future Tense - What do you think your hometown or city will be like in 20 years time?
Part 8: Critical Thinking - City improvements.
Your government has asked your group to come up with some ideas to improve your city. In groups create a short presentation outlining the changes/improvements that you would like to make to your city. You can consider things like: pollution, transportation, safety, shops etc. Then come together as a class and reach a consensus on the 5 most important changes needed and discuss how they could be made.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
The main idea of the article is that Saudi Arabia is planning to transform its capital city, Riyadh, into a futuristic and livable city with its New Murabba project. The project, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will expand the city by 19 square kilometers and will include recreational facilities, hotels, and residential units. The project is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its economy away from oil and to attract foreign investment and non-Muslim visitors. The article also highlights some of the challenges that Saudi Arabia may face in achieving its goals. For example, the country is competing with neighboring cities such as Dubai and Doha, which have established themselves as regional tourism and investment hubs. Additionally, some analysts are skeptical about whether the kingdom will be able to secure enough funding to complete the ambitious project. Overall, the article was written to inform readers about Saudi Arabia's plans to transform Riyadh and to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with this initiative.
Part 2: True or False
A: False B: False C: True D: True
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.
a) "Livable" Answer: I think it means capable of being lived in; suitable or good enough to live in. In the context of the article, "livable" refers to the plan to transform Riyadh into a city that is more suitable and comfortable for residents to live in.
b) "Immersive" Answer: I think it means providing a deeply engaging or absorbing experience. In the context of the article, "immersive" refers to the experience that the massive cube, Mukaab, will offer to visitors with its changing landscapes.
c) "Futuristic" Answer: I think it means having or involving very modern technology or design. In the context of the article, "futuristic" refers to the New Murabba project, which aims to transform Riyadh into a modern city with cutting-edge technology and design.
d) "Skeptical" Answer: I think it means having doubts or reservations about something. In the context of the article, "skeptical" refers to the analysts who are unsure about Saudi Arabia's ability to gather enough funding to fulfill their ambitious plans to diversify their economy away from oil.
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a. (examples)
a) Livable: The small town offers a peaceful and livable environment, with friendly neighbors and all the essential amenities for a comfortable life.
b) Immersive: The virtual reality game provides an immersive experience, making players feel like they are exploring a magical world in their own living rooms.
c) Futuristic: The concept car's sleek design and advanced technology make it look like something from a futuristic sci-fi movie.
d) Skeptical: She was skeptical about the new diet plan at first, but after seeing her friend's impressive results, she decided to give it a try.
Part 7: Writing (example)
In the next 20 years, Mexico City could undergo several changes. It's possible that the city might focus on building better and greener transportation systems to reduce pollution and traffic jams. New technologies could improve how people live and work, making things like communication and services even better. However, with more people moving to the city, there might be challenges in providing enough resources like water and creating jobs for everyone. Efforts could be made to preserve the city's unique culture and history while also creating more beautiful parks and public spaces. The future of Mexico City could be a mix of positive developments and some difficulties, as it works towards progress while addressing these potential issues.
