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Kuwait Times
27-05-2025
- Science
- Kuwait Times
Scientific Center of Kuwait soft launches part of major expansion
Visitors reflect on 25 years of education and play at the Scientific Center By Nebal Snan and KUNA KUWAIT: For many in Kuwait, their first walk through the Scientific Center's Mijbil Almutawa Aquarium is a memory that stays for life. Watching desert owls and spiny-tailed lizards up close, then following sharks and bright shoals of fish through the aquarium's winding tanks — every visit is an exploration of Kuwait's habitat and the marine ecosystems of the Red Sea and South African coasts. When the center first opened its doors in 2000, it not only housed the largest aquarium in the Middle East — it was a cultural landmark. The Discovery Place and IMAX Theater have brought scientific concepts closer to visitors in locally-relevant and engaging ways. The walkways around the center have been a go-to place for family outings, from biking to leisurely strolls. Since then, the Scientific Center has welcomed more than 11 million visitors. It's a place people return to again and again, often across generations. Long-time visitor Khalil Abdullah still remembers the magic of his first behind-the-scenes aquarium tour years ago. 'The sharks have always been the trademark for me. I vividly remember the look of amazement on my younger brother's face. And now, my kids have that same look when they see them.' A new era Now, 25 years later, the Scientific Center is preparing for its most ambitious transformation yet. A major expansion — in the works since at least 2015 — is nearing completion. This week, the center soft-launched part of the project: a new exhibition called World of Science. 'The trial launch of World of Science marks the beginning of more years of surprises as part of a comprehensive vision aimed at developing intellectual capabilities across all age groups and scientific fields,' Msaed Alyaseen, Director General of the Scientific Center, told media on Monday. Designed with all the family in mind, the exhibition explores key scientific fields, including innovation, energy, engineering, and robotics, while also featuring a dedicated play area that introduces children to scientific thinking through hands-on activities. During the soft opening phase, the exhibition is welcoming up to 200 visitors per day through reservations on the center's website. Full public access will begin once the trial period is complete. There's also more to come on the horizon. One major feature of the expansion will be Power of Play, an interactive exhibition created by Finland's Heureka Science Centre that has already drawn over 660,000 visitors abroad. The exhibit features 24 hands-on stations exploring creativity, adventure, and the science behind how and why we play. Conservation milestones The center's growth is also marked by new collaborations. Recently, the center signed a cooperation agreement with The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi, now the largest in the Middle East, to exchange expertise in marine conservation and environmental education. Working closely with Kuwait's Environment Public Authority (EPA), the Scientific Center has rehabilitated and released injured turtles, birds of prey, and other wildlife. The center's teams have even helped rescue a whale shark in Kuwaiti waters. It has also successfully bred endangered African penguins, a species whose global population has fallen to around 14,000 breeding pairs. Sharks Bandar and Bibi, along with the nurse shark Yagoub, have been part of The Scientific Center since its very first day. In 2022, Bibi, estimated to be over 20 years old, gave birth to two pups, Bader and Badriya. Sand tiger sharks have a low natural reproductive rate, with females only producing up to two pups every two or three years. Globally, these sharks are listed as a vulnerable species. 'Captive breeding programs for the critically endangered sand tiger sharks offer immense conservation benefits. A carefully managed release programs could have the potential to augment depleted wild stocks,' the center said on its website. Speaking people's language Over the years, the people behind the scenes have grown too. Mohammad Al-Fares, who first volunteered at the center as a teenager in 2005, now leads major initiatives — and recently watched his own son become a volunteer. 'Working here is more than a job,' he said. 'It's a mission. Every day I get to help make science exciting and meaningful for people of all ages. Being part of an organization that educates, inspires, and brings families together is something I truly cherish.' As the Scientific Center evolves, so do the expectations of its audience. Today's young visitors are drawn to interactive, immersive experiences — from VR and AR to tactile learning. A global survey by the University of Glasgow's Museums in the Metaverse project found that 79 percent of respondents want to use digital tools to explore museum collections. 'The best museums let you touch, play, and be part of the story,' said visitor Lena Anand. 'When technology is part of the experience, it feels alive — not just something you're reading about.' The new World of Science exhibition reflects the center's responsiveness. Its hands-on displays make complex scientific ideas accessible and fun. And it's not the only update — from interactive games along the boardwalk to feeding fish and turtles in the aquarium, the center has been quietly transforming how visitors connect with science. 'Every visit feels exciting,' said Abdullah. 'We're really looking forward to exploring the new exhibits.'
Arab Times
27-05-2025
- Science
- Arab Times
The Scientific Center of Kuwait celebrates 25 years with launch of 'World of Science' exhibition
KUWAIT CITY, May 27: The Scientific Center of Kuwait (TSCK) marked its 25th anniversary on Monday with the soft launch of a new exhibition titled 'World of Science,' offering an engaging and forward-looking scientific experience aimed at nurturing curiosity and expanding public knowledge. Speaking at the event, TSCK Director General Musaed Al-Yaseen described the milestone as a celebration of 'a quarter century of influence and inspiration.' He emphasized the center's commitment to a more innovative future, featuring expanded scientific exploration and interactive content designed to inspire visitors of all ages. 'We are grateful to all those who contributed to this pioneering scientific journey from the beginning until today,' said Al-Yaseen. He noted that the new 'World of Science' exhibition signals the beginning of a new era, with a long-term vision focused on enhancing intellectual development across various scientific disciplines. The anniversary is being celebrated under the campaign slogan '25 Years and Minds Grow Here,' underscoring the center's mission to foster scientific curiosity and align with future advancements. Al-Yaseen stressed that the occasion is an opportunity to reaffirm TSCK's leading role in promoting science, innovation, and sustainability within the community. During the initial trial phase of 'World of Science,' a limited number of visitors will be welcomed through advance reservations made via the center's official website. The exhibition includes state-of-the-art installations on topics such as innovation, energy, engineering, and robotics. A dedicated interactive play area for children is also part of the experience. 'These exhibitions target all members of the family and reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering scientific content that is engaging, inclusive, and thought-provoking,' Al-Yaseen said. 'From the smallest atoms to the vast reaches of the universe, the exhibition showcases the comprehensive nature of science.' He also announced the upcoming launch of 'Power of Play' later this year, an initiative designed to further support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting education through interactive scientific experiences. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the center hosted Dr. Marco Zennaro, a researcher at the Science and Technology Innovation Unit at the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). His visit comes within the framework of a strategic partnership between TSCK, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), and ICTP. Al-Yaseen thanked KFAS and all contributors to the launch of the 'World of Science' exhibition, expressing appreciation for their efforts in building a pioneering scientific institution that meets the aspirations of both present and future generations. In his remarks, Dr. Zennaro praised the center's use of advanced technology to present scientific concepts to children in interactive and innovative ways. He highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between TSCK and ICTP, emphasizing the value of knowledge exchange in promoting scientific literacy across societies.
