SMD to open new Science Museum in Sharjah

The agreement forms the foundation for the collaborative development of a new Science Museum in Sharjah, which will focus on exploring new themes in a range of scientific fields including biology, physics, astronomy, chemistry, and marine and natural sciences.

The agreement was signed by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and the President of Univcerscience Miss Claudie Haignere in the presence of His Highnesses Adviser for Higher Education Affairs, Dr.Amr Abdul Hameed, and Manal Ataya Director General of SMD, the French Consul-General His Excellency Mr Eric Giraud-Telme, Mr Marc Girard the Director of Exhibitions at Universcience, and Ms Brigitte Coutant, the Director of Institutional, Regional and International Affairs at Universcience. A number of representatives from Universcience as well as key members of the economic and industry sector were also present. The French delegation to Sharjah also visited a number of important landmarks including Sharjah University city, the Science Museum, the Discovery Center, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and the heritage area that includes the new Sharjah Heritage Museum and Souq Al Arsa.

Commenting on the agreement, Manal Ataya SMD Director General, commented, "We are extremely pleased to be entering into this collaboration with Universcience, who has a proven track record as one the leading establishments in the field of science and technology. Sharjah has had a science museum and a discovery centre for several years now however this new development, aims to incorporate both of these museums into one multi-purpose centre on a much larger site capable of catering to audiences from a very young age right through to university students. We are especially grateful to the support this initiative has received from H.H Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, whose wise directives and leadership has made not only this project but so many others possible."

HH the Ruler of Sharjah of spoke of his admiration of France's achievements in the sciences and in other areas, and the longstanding mutually beneficial relationship between France and Sharjah in the field of medicine. His Highness expressed his wish that collaboration between France and Sharjah would continue to increase through projects such as the new Science Museum, which will benefit the people of Sharjah and all the Emirates.

The new Science Centre will offer an interactive platform for science and technology with the aim to increase scientific awareness and interest among the youth of Sharjah and encourage future careers in the sciences.

Bringing together the Cité des sciences and the Palais de la découverte, Universcience contributes to and reports on scientific research in the fields of history of science and technology, museology, science and society, and science and art and disseminates the culture of science and technology at both national and international levels. Focusing on spheres such as sustainable development, digital culture and new applications, and the interaction of science with the arts and humanities, Universcience aims to play a key role in informal education, enabling everyone to take part in innovative projects and experiments and contribute to the on-going debate on science and society.