In response to the growing interest among schoolchildren and other visitors in the UAE, the Emirates Soil Museum has announced a series of new learning programs for the 2019-2020 season.
Located on the premises of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai, the museum is a one-of-its-kind hub of knowledge about soils in the Gulf region.
In addition to expanding its range of educational programs for schools, the museum has also created multi-day programs and dedicated workshops for universities, companies, and the general public. The museum will also start offering artist-in-residence programs and hosting exhibitions and art workshops.
Since its inauguration in December 2016 with financial support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the museum has welcomed about 3,000 visitors, including high-level dignitaries such as ministers and heads of international organizations, scientists, astronauts; school and university students; and members of the public.
Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Director General of ICBA said: "We are glad to see the growing interest in the Emirates Soil Museum, particularly among young students; ICBA is proud to see the museum serving as a knowledge hub on soil - an essential non-renewable natural resource. With the rising global threat to food security and the undisputable climate change impact, it is important to learn about soils and soil conservation, especially in marginal environments such as the UAE."
The museum helps visitors learn about the soil story through an interactive augmented-reality mobile application which takes them on a historical and scientific tour, providing information about a wide range of museum exhibits. The museum is also equipped with a library of soil information resources and touchscreens with access to geospatial maps of the UAE environment providing additional visual data.
Moreover, visitors can enjoy tailor-made knowledge programs, workshops, and guided field trips. The trips serve as an excellent opportunity, particularly for young students to get involved in live science experiments and step out into the nature and collect data on soil, water and biodiversity.
The museum boasts state-of-the-art facilities and indoor and outdoor exhibits that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of soil.
The main goal of the Emirates Soil Museum is to serve as an educational hub for various visitors seeking soil information, as well as to raise awareness and foster appreciation and understanding about the importance of soils for national development and food security.
To find out more about the programs and how you could support and get involved in making them come to life, please visit: http://www.emiratessoilmuseum.org/sites/default/files/2019-06/ESM.pdf.