Mishkat, a flagship initiative of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE) in Saudi Arabia, is not just an exhibition center; it's a dynamic ecosystem of interactive Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) designed to revolutionize renewable energy education. Mishkat goes beyond traditional learning methods, immersing visitors in a multi-sensory environment that fosters engagement, understanding, and action towards a sustainable future. This aligns directly with Saudi Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Mishkat's ICT infrastructure includes: a large-scale interactive pledge wall displaying personalized commitments to sustainability; multi-player projection table games like the "Wind Energy Exhibit" where users collaboratively design wind farms; gesture-based interactive displays exploring advanced energy concepts; card-activated information kiosks providing in-depth knowledge on various renewable energy sources; and the "Energy Capture" mobile game (available on the iOS App Store) extending the learning experience beyond the physical center. This multi-faceted approach has engaged over 2 Million users only at the physical facility, demonstrating significant increases in knowledge retention and inspiring action towards sustainable practices. Mishkat exemplifies the transformative power of ICT in driving large-scale education and behavioral change.


The future metaverse will have AI guides with advanced lip-syncing mapping phonemes to facial expressions and generative AI based responses, creating remarkably lifelike and personalized interactions with the visitors.

https://mishkat.org.sa/

• Saudi Arabia

• Youth
• Older persons
• Women
• Indigenous and nomadic peoples
• People with disabilities
• The unemployed
• The poor
• Migrants
• Refugees and internally displaced people
• Remote and rural communities

Mishkat's replicability is evident in:
1. The project is modular, meaning that different components can be implemented independently or together, depending on the specific needs of a community.
2. The system has been designed to be flexible and adaptable to various cultures, allowing for customization based on local needs
3. Digital game and (future) metaverse platform offer global reach and accessibility.
4. Core educational principles are universally applicable to diverse cultural contexts.
5. Strategic partnerships and documented best practices facilitate knowledge transfer.
6. Modular exhibit designs can be customized and scaled for different spaces and budgets.

Mishkat's long-term sustainability is ensured through:
1. Environmental Sustainability: Mishkat directly promotes renewable energy and sustainable practices, contributing to climate change mitigation and carbon emission reduction. This aligns with global sustainability goals (SDGs 7 and 13), ensuring long-term relevance.
2. Social Sustainability: Mishkat is designed for inclusivity and accessibility. This includes bilingual content (Arabic/English), screen-reader compatibility for visually impaired users, and a strong focus on engaging women and girls in STEM. The metaverse platform's low bandwidth requirements (2 Mbps) enhance accessibility for users in areas with limited internet infrastructure.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: By using digital platforms like the "Energy Capture" game and the in-development metaverse, Mishkat is cost-effective. This digital approach offers wider reach and greater impact with lower operational costs.
4. Operational Sustainability: The modular design of Mishkat's exhibits and digital components supports easy updates, maintenance, and expansion. This adaptability ensures long-term relevance and supports replicability.
5. Scalable Digital Platforms: Mishkat uses a digital game ("Energy Capture") and an in-development metaverse, with an open-source game template. This allows for significant scalability and reach to new audiences internationally.

Mishkat promotes WSIS values by: • Democratizing Access to Knowledge: Utilizing diverse ICT platforms (interactive screens, projection mapping, mobile gaming, metaverse) to make renewable energy education accessible to all, regardless of age, background, or learning style. • Fostering Digital Literacy: Engaging visitors with hands-on experiences that build confidence and competence in using various digital tools. • Promoting Innovation: Showcasing cutting-edge technologies (gesture recognition, interactive projections, AR/VR) to create immersive and engaging learning experiences. • Encouraging Collaboration: Facilitating teamwork and knowledge sharing through multi-player games and interactive exhibits. • Championing Sustainability: Using ICT to educate and inspire action towards a sustainable future, aligning with global sustainability goals.