The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority opened its doors to the Eco Future exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat recently, to coincide with World Tourism Day. Set to run for a year, the interactive exhibition is geared at teaching the younger generations about sustainable and smart choices. We visited the exhibition and were truly impressed with its scope, design and appeal for all ages. Although the primary age group targeted is between eight and 14, the fair is replete with fun sections and stations for almost any attendant.
Faisal Al Dhaheri, the Fundraising Manager for ADTCA, referenced the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision for an environmentally conscious United Arab Emirates and the exhibition is meant as part of an initiative to promote Abu Dhabi as a destination for eco tourism. In fact, a lot of the ideas for the exposition are inspired by future plans for the environmental sustainability of the emirate.
Located in Gallery 2, Eco Future is divided into six primary areas. Prior to entering, visitors pick up an Eco Tag, or plastic magnetic pass, which is meant for use throughout the exhibition. After a short introductory movie which is shown in both English and Arabic, visitors can then move freely between five zones: drinking, eating, enjoying, moving and building. Each of these main areas includes display cases showing smart solutions to common environmental problems, info and games as well as interactive screens filled with choices. The idea is that each visitor will use their tag to make decisions regarding that particular area, culminating in a personalised future city model at the end of the exhibition.
The different zones are very clearly displayed and designed with sleek arches separating them. There is even an interactive floor showing various species of fish that can be found in the UAE, as well as highlighting ones that are endangered due to over-fishing. Each zone underscores some of the sustainability issues within that sphere, as well as showing some potential solutions. For example, in the drinking section, there is a type of net displayed that is designed to trap water droplets from fog, as an alternative source for clean water. There are some games set up where groups of children can play against each other, while learning important facts in the process.
There are four interactive young characters that appear throughout the exhibition to answer questions and give out useful bits of information. Named Yas, Ali, Moza and Sara, each character will appear on the screens while the visitors are working out their decisions and they each weigh in differently according to their character type. For example, Yas is noted for preferring more traditional solutions from older generations whereas Moza likes the latest technologies and scientific breakthroughs.
The exhibition is an excellent outlet for children to be involved in a decision-making process, whereby they can ultimately see the consequences resulting from their choices. Strolling through the different zones, you can record all your choices on your Eco Tags, before seeing your future city in the Conclusion area prior to leaving. The tags are very easy to use; you simply hold them up to the sensor at the station you are on and follow the on-screen instructions. Once your future city is designed, you will find that only one of the four interactive characters is happy with your choices. This illustrates how there is no one clear solution for a sustainable future and will teach children (and some adults) that often the best route is a collaboration between different ideals. The copious choices and interactivity of the exhibition shows kids not only how their decisions affect their future, but how they should learn to be open-minded when seeking out answers.
In addition to the ongoing exhibition, Eco Future will be holding several special events during the next 12 months. For example, there will be workshops on how to revamp old items of clothing, or how to use different materials to make recycled rugs. In addition, there will be Ecoscape; an exhibition meant to highlight the art and science experience. To learn more about upcoming events, you can pick up a guide from Manarat Al Saadiyat or check their website.
The Eco Future exhibition will be running until September 2013 and will be open every day from 10am-8pm. Ticket prices for adults are Dhs30 and Dhs25 for children under the age of 15. To learn more about the exhibition, visit www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae or call (02 657 5800).
