As part of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai's commitment to promoting environmental awareness and instilling religious and national values in younger generations, Al Fareej Nursery, in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, organized an educational visit to the Sustainable Knowledge Room at the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Islamic Culture — one of IACAD’s key awareness-raising facilities.
The visit aimed to provide children with a comprehensive educational experience that integrates environmental, religious, and cultural concepts through the use of immersive 3D virtual reality technologies. The experience included a variety of interactive sensory activities involving touch, smell, and temperature perception, which helped deliver the information in an engaging and innovative way.
During the visit, the children explored several important topics, including a 3D presentation on the story of the UAE Union, which helped solidify the concept of national leadership in their minds. They also learned how to perform ablution (wudu), the steps of Umrah, and experienced a virtual simulation of circumambulating the Kaaba — all of which deepened their understanding of religious rituals in an interactive manner. Other activities included space exploration, virtual football games, and a hands-on excavation activity mimicking fossil extraction from walls.
The children also learned about the four seasons through a sensory experience that simulated temperature changes corresponding to each season. They interacted with flowers and explored their scents using innovative sensory technologies, enhancing their connection to nature and understanding of sustainable environmental practices.
Commenting on the experience, Hind Al Mutaiwei, Director of Al Fareej Nursery, stated: "Building a strong foundation for environmental awareness begins in early childhood. That’s why, in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, we were keen to organize an educational visit that allows children to explore sustainability concepts and religious values in an enjoyable, interactive way — one that helps instill positive, responsible behavior toward the environment and society."
This visit is part of a broader series of educational programs carried out by the department in partnership with its strategic allies. The aim is to empower children as active contributors to building a sustainable future and strengthen their role in society — in line with the objectives of the "Year of Sustainability" and the UAE’s broader efforts to promote positive environmental behavior across all segments of the community.
The Sustainable Knowledge Room at the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Islamic Culture, operated by IACAD, stands out as one of the leading initiatives in advanced education. It represents a modern model for environmental and community awareness, offering comprehensive interactive content suitable for various age groups, and fostering children’s engagement with sustainable development concepts in a motivating and integrated learning environment