The newly upgraded Sharjah Planetarium at the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST) (previously known as the Sharjah Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences) has opened its doors, and it is truly spectacular.
As leading integration team on the project, and official Middle East partner of Zeiss Planetariums – the finest planetarium systems manufacturer based in Germany – we are delighted to have worked on this flagship state-of-the-art planetarium installation.
The Sharjah Planetarium is now the most technologically advanced and powerful experience of its kind in the Middle East.
The 18-meter diameter, 200-seat dome theater features an ultra-high-contrast LED 8-channel Zeiss Velvet fulldome solution, fully integrated with a MEGASTAR starball projector as a unique, and first of its kind, hybrid planetarium installation.
With an entirely new media server, a complete Zeiss Uniview suite of applications, fulldome laser light system, and upgraded audio and lighting – the 2023 Sharjah Planetarium can take students and members of the public onto a beautiful journey into space.
The Academy’s state-of-the-art observatory and telescope systems are also fully integrated with the planetarium. So, lecturers, professors, and presenters can bring live data into the dome in real-time!
The New Sharjah Planetarium Allows Audiences to See and Feel the Night Sky More than Ever Before
SAASST aims to develop and promote education about astronomy and space sciences in the Arab World in general, and the UAE in particular. It is dedicated to education, science, research, Islamic culture and heritage, and is open to educators, school students, university students, researchers, and families of all ages.
The client’s vision was to expand the planetarium’s capabilities and create an experience that would truly simulate the magic of the night sky.
The Zeiss Velvet planetarium solution achieves this beautifully by delivering exceptional contrast, the deepest black levels, rich colours, and a seamlessly digitally blended multi-channel visual display.
Delivered on time, and within budget, the new planetarium has exceeded all expectations and is now recognized as one of the greatest in the world.
The reopening ceremony in May 2023 was attended by HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH DR. SULTAN BIN MOHAMMED ALQASIMI, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah.
“We want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt congratulations to you and your team for the successful delivery of the project. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have genuinely paid off.
From the outset, it was clear that you were fully invested in ensuring that the project was completed on time, within budget, and to the highest possible standard. Your attention to detail, proactive approach, and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty have been truly inspiring.
We want to thank you for your unwavering professionalism, teamwork, and leadership throughout the project. Your expertise and experience have been invaluable, and working with you has been a pleasure.
Please extend our congratulations to your entire team. You should be incredibly proud of what you have achieved.”
University of Sharjah