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.”
