Scientific Center,Q8

The next day we decided to go to the Scientific Center because it is an interesting and informative place where you can mingle learning with pleasure. A must-visit place, especially for inquisitive minds both young and old.
From Kuwait travel guide you'll come to know that it is located on the waterfront at Ras Al Ardh in the Salmiya region  and serves as a center for environmental education of the gulf region.

 It was initiated by late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and its compound covers an area of over 80,000 square meters with the building itself covering over 18,000 square meters.

It houses the largest aquarium in the Middle East, and tourists can have a wonderful time focusing on the natural habitats of the sea, getting a glimpse of the underground passages rich in marine life, the desert of the Arabian Peninsula and natural habitats of the coastal edges. Each area contains specimens of animal, plant and marine life found in that region.

The Desert Section of the Aquarium allows visitors to discover specimens of wild life found in the kuwaiti desert and the Arabian Peninsula. Desert animals have the ability to evolve and deal with the extremes of their very harsh environment , yet some of animals here have been hunted almost to extinction and barely managing to survive.

In the Coastal Edge, there are a variety of animals and wildlife .Wetlands and coastal areas are inhabited by species able to withstand extreme environmental conditions, and play the important rule of linking the ecosystems of the desert and sea.

The habitats found around the coast such as estuarine and mangrove areas are critical in providing nursery grounds for marine life and are also one of the major sources of nutrients into the marine realm. The Coastal Edge represents this diverse ecosystem containing; crocodiles, river otters, birds and numerous marine animals, which can be seen by visitors as they explore the peaceful surrounds of a beach and tropical garden.

The Marine section of the Aquarium is a truly sensual experience designed to transport visitors into the deep seas via magnificent sights and sounds. It contains several tanks. Most of the marine animals were collected locally, while others have been obtained from other tropical waters of the world. TSCK Aquarium tanks include over 100 species of marine animals: Sharks, Rays, jelly fish, live corals and a variety of other fish. The Aquarium exhibits are continuously changing as animals grow and reproduce and new additions are made.

This is a surprisingly amusing way to spend a few hours and learn something. Plus it's always nice to gaze at a giant floor to ceiling tank, and realize how vast and varied the world "below" is.

For more detail information on the aquarium check the website:  

 http://www.tsck.org.kw/en/aquarium.asp

http://www.tsck.org.kw/en/behind_scene.asp

Probably the most dramatic of the tanks is the Arabian Gulf Fishes tank, with a capacity of 1.5 million liters of water that houses a variety of sharks and rays. Another awe inspiring tank contains sharks and rays of the coral reefs, with the capacity of 100,000 liters. There are scheduled public feedings in these two tanks for visitors to witness, done by young Kuwaiti divers of the Scientific Center. To know in details about the feeding time of the sharks, check this out http://www.tsck.org.kw/en/feeding_schedule.asp

And if you plan to dive with the sharks during your visit to the Scientific Center then check this out…
 http://www.tsck.org.kw/en/dive_with_sharks.asp

There is also a 250 seat IMAX film theater where you can catch up a movie with your friends. Another major attraction of the Kuwait Scientific Center is the Dhow Harbor spread over an area of 2000 sq. meters. Housing the only surviving Kuwait sailing ship from the pre-oil era, boom Fateh-el-khair, the Dhow Harbor gives the visitor insight into a vital part of the Kuwaiti heritage. Located directly on the water front, the Harbor includes samples of various smaller dhows and vessels used during this period.

 







All of these are located within this complex. However, each one has a separate entry fee. It has a special section for children, called the Discovery Place, which houses oil and gas exhibitions and a puppet theatre.

The centre is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 09:00 – 12:30 and from 17:00 – 21:30, and on Thursdays from 09:00 – 21:30. On Fridays, the centre opens at 14:00 and closes at 21:30. Prices vary depending on what sections you want to visit. More details can be found on the website.... https://www.tsck.org.kw/eticketing/mainpage.asp.
 And if you need any information, you can call 1848888 or email info@tsck.org.kw

The building enclosure is filled with designs of Arabic calligraphy as well as Islamic art. Along with this, the walls literally have the history of Kuwait written on them. Its architecture is inspired by both the "old" mud-homes of Kuwait and the sail of a ship. The mud-home correlation is seen as the mud-colored ceramic used on the exterior of the building, while the mast is the top "roof" part of the building which is made of fabric similar to that of the sails of dhows, which are an important part of Kuwaiti history of pearl diving. The colors chosen were meant to create the atmosphere of the "desert" both inside and out, with the inside continuing on the theme of Kuwait's heritage and culture, built into the walls of the Scientific Center.

Another major reason why Kuwait Scientific Center has become a hot favorite both among the locals as well as the tourists is the presence of the onsite gift shop and Kuwait's favorite restaurants like Burger King and Pizza Hut. You can laze and relax in the tastefully decorated indoor dining area, or enjoy the breathtaking views across the Gulf from the outdoor dining area while munching on yummy sandwiches and pastries. Or have a walk in the impressive and awesome walkway.