The Sheikh Zayed Desert Science Center is a living environmental legacy in the heart of the Emirates
Al Ain, 30 December / WAM / Amidst Al Ain’s tranquil nature and ancient history, the Sheikh Zayed Desert Science Center stands as one of the most prominent evidences of the deep relationship between humans and the environment in the UAE. It is not just a building or a cultural landmark, but rather a continuation of the vision of the late founder of the country, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “may God rest his soul,” who believed that preserving the environment is part of the nation’s identity and an ongoing responsibility across generations.
Through an educational and interactive system based on science and personal experience, the center presents a clear message that protecting nature begins with knowledge, and that a more sustainable future begins with the awareness of every individual.
The building’s design is in harmony with the nature of the surrounding desert environment, as the architects relied on seven levels, three of which extend below the ground and four above it, allowing air to flow and reduce heat without the need for large energy consumption.
The choice of light-colored stones, the design of windows that allow light to enter and reduce heat, in addition to efficient lighting and sound insulation, are all elements that make the building a realistic example of architecture that comes to terms with the environment instead of conflicting with it.
The center was the first building in the UAE to obtain the LEED platinum certification, in addition to a five-pearl rating, making it one of the most prominent global models in sustainable design.
Solar panels installed on the roof and in the adjacent garden contribute to providing approximately 10% of electricity needs, while underground air systems cool the air before it enters the building without additional energy consumption, a technology applied for the first time in the country.
The center relies on the water drainage system used in aircraft, which reduces consumption to only one liter per drainage operation, while reusing gray water in cooling towers and internal operations.
Throughout the centre, screens display real-time data on clean energy production and emissions reductions, making sustainability a tangible, visual and easy-to-understand experience for all visitors.
Through five main exhibitions, visual experiences and interactive media, visitors move between the desert, the sea and the oasis to learn about the sustainable ways of living of our ancestors, and how ancient societies were able to preserve their natural resources before the emergence of modern technologies.
The center also includes a hall dedicated to honoring Sheikh Zayed, in addition to the “A Look to the Future” exhibition, which displays innovative visions for dealing with environmental challenges in the coming decades.
The experience is completed with a theater that presents one of the largest visual performances in the country through the film “Vision of the Arabian Desert,” which takes the viewer on an artistic and emotional journey into the details of the desert environment.
The center’s research center includes a specialized library containing more than 10,000 printed books, in addition to millions of digital books, making it a major scientific reference for researchers and students interested in the environment and the sustainability of nature.
The Sheikh Zayed Desert Science Center is not a place to visit as much as it is a space to contemplate man’s relationship with his environment, and an ongoing message confirming that what “Zayed Al Khair” started continues to pulsate today through buildings, knowledge, and efforts that shape a future more in harmony with nature.
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