The Scientific Center
An aquarium and science centre on the Salmiya waterfront, with a dhow moored outside.
Updated 3 September 2026
The Scientific Center at Salmiya holds one of the larger aquariums in the Middle East, arranged around the three environments of Kuwait: the desert, the coast and the sea, with tanks running from mudskippers and mangrove through to sharks in the main display. A discovery hall, an IMAX theatre and a restored pearling dhow moored outside make up the rest. The building's sail-like roof is a Salmiya landmark.
Highlights
- The aquarium - tanks arranged by desert, coast and sea environments.
- The shark tank - the main display at the centre of the aquarium.
- The dhow - the restored pearling vessel moored outside.
- The sail roof - the building's distinctive form on the waterfront.
When to go
November to March is the comfortable season, though the centre is indoors and air-conditioned. It keeps set hours and is busiest at weekends. School holidays fill it.
What to expect
It is busy at weekends and during school holidays. The entry fee is substantial and sections are charged separately. Some displays are dated.
Nearby
Al-Hashemi-II is nearby, and Kuwait Towers are northwest.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q6448876, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for The Scientific Center
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Loose, light, long clothing - Covering up beats bare skin in the desert - and locals dress this way for a reason. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A wide-brim hat + sunglasses - Shade for your face and eyes where there is none overhead. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if The Scientific Center is going on the list.
Booking links on this page are affiliate links - if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write about a place.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
