Sharjah to get new science museum

The Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) represented by the office of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, signed an agreement with the leading French science and technology organisation, Universcience.

The move forms the foundation for collaborative development of the new 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 Dr Shaikh Sultan and the President of Univcerscience, Miss Claudie Haignere in the presence of a host of dignitaries including representatives from Universcience and key members of the economic and industry sector in France and the UAE.

Commenting on the agreement, Manal Ataya, SMD Director General, commented: “We are extremely pleased to be entering into this collaboration with Universcience, which has a proven track record as one of the leading establishments in the field of science and technology.... We are especially grateful to the support this initiative has received from Dr Shaikh Sultan.”

Dr Shaikh Sultan spoke of his admiration of France’s achievements in the sciences and in other areas, and the long-standing mutually beneficial relationship between France and Sharjah in the field of medicine. He 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.

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, 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.

During their visit, the French delegation to Sharjah also visited a number of important landmarks including Sharjah University city, the Science Museum, the Discovery Centre, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation and the heritage area that includes the new Sharjah Heritage Museum and Souq Al Arsa.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com