KD 5 million contract signed for marine works phase with Gulf Dredging

KUWAIT: The Scientific Center Kuwait (TSCK) announced on Sunday, December 16, 2018, the signing of a contract at a value of KD 5,040,000 with Gulf Dredging & General Contracting Company K.S.C (GD) to begin construction works for the expansion of the center. The contract covers the first phase of works for the new expansion of The Scientific Center, which opened its doors in April of 2000 to the public.

GD will begin initiating works on the marine area of Scientific Center, with the scope of the contract covering land reclamation and revetment, renovation of the Dhow Harbor area, and relocation of the seawater intake pipe.

Since the recent approval by the Board of Directors of the new 3-year strategy for The Scientific Center, the design and programming of the expansion building was developed as a priority, in partnership with the Board and consultation from Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS).

The new 3-year strategy, including through the expansion, commits The Scientific Center to play a leading role in supporting the Mission and Vision of KFAS to transform the country and develop a knowledge-driven economy through its investment in human capital and national scale projects that provide innovative solutions to challenges of national priority. TSCK’s own Mission and Vision aim to build a continuously adapting center for developing future innovators in science and environmental conservation, while contributing to an increased quality of STEM teaching and environmental protection activities through engaging learning experiences, leading to a more sustainable future for Kuwait in a global economy.

In line with this strategy, the design of programs and attractions of the expansion will introduce new concepts to the region, as well as inspiring exhibits, through new additions as well as renovating current ones. The public can expect to see reinvigorated ecosystems in the Mijbil Almutawa Aquarium, modern commodities and services, a brand new children’s science museum, as well as numerous new halls and labs enabling visitors, school, universities and more to engage with the center in developing their own innovations to better our society.

Commenting on the signing of the contract, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Scientific Center Sami Fahad Alrshaid said: “This is the first step of an expansion that I can confidently say the whole country is excited for.

“Many people have been working diligently towards this milestone in our strategy, which is a cornerstone in enabling The Scientific Center to inspire and support a culture of innovation across all ages. The expansion will also provide us with the means to further engage with students, allowing us to introduce class-specific programs, labs and workshops for educators to use for their own curriculum, as well as accommodate even larger numbers of classes with our footprint doubling. This is an exciting time, that the management and Board of the Center is excited to see begin.”

Commenting on the details of the expansion project, Rana Al-Nibari, General Manager of The Scientific Center, said: “The overall expansion is estimated to come at an approximate value of KD 36 million, with a timeline of projected completion by 2022. This first phase of marine works is projected to take 9 months from the start of ground breaking, which will then be followed by the structural foundation of the expansion, the construction of the superstructure, MEP, the finishings and new exhibits installations, and then finally the renovation of existing building attractions and exhibits.

“We know that the country has been waiting for this moment, and the management wishes for the public to know that we have been extremely touched by their consistent contact and support for the start of construction works, whether it has been in person while visiting the center, through our social media channels and website, or simply calling our office. We have heard all of you, and see ourselves as your partners in developing a better society and future for all, and assure you the time spent developing and designing the expansion have been well-used.”

The Scientific Center was constructed and launched through the vision of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (God rest his soul). He was inspired to build the center while overseeing the Board meetings for KFAS in 1992. Through KFAS, Sheikh Jaber aimed to create a hub where Kuwait could demonstrate its advancement and place in modern society, in addition to confirming its leadership role in the protection of the environment in the Arabian Peninsula.

Dr. Adnan Shihab-Eldin, Director General of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) said: "It is a great honor for the Scientific Center to continue to achieve its objectives of inspiring and supporting the future generations in the fields of science by developing its engaging activities and educational programs as well as establishing facilities that attract the interest of children and their families towards science. "The signing of the marine works contract for the expansion project is a remarkable and honorable achievement that will crown The Scientific Center as a beacon of science, technology and innovation in the State of Kuwait.

Located in Ras Salmiya, The Scientific Center has been educating and inspiring families, students and visitors to the State of Kuwait since the year 2000. Visitors from across the world come daily to visit the three main attrations, the Mijbil Almutawa Aquarium, the Discovery Place children’s science hall, and the IMAX Theater. To find out more about The Scientific Center, visit their website at www.tsck.org.kw or follow them on social media under the account @scicenterkw.