Nord Anglia International School Al Khor (NAISAK) has joined together with Ras Laffan Industrial City Community Outreach Programme (RLCOP) and Gamyra, a local technical innovation company, to host the cutting-edge ‘Magic Carpet – Explore Qatar’ initiative at their school in Al Khor.
Leading international British school, NAISAK, is proud to announce its involvement with the groundbreaking educational initiative called Magic Carpet – Explore Qatar. This innovative project is sponsored by RLCOP and developed by Gamyra and revolutionizes how children experience education through immersive and interactive learning experiences. The team at NAISAK welcomed the opportunity to host Magic Carpet so all their Primary and Secondary students could benefit from the experience.
The team behind Gamyra are led by Qatar Foundation graduates and ex Williams F1 simulation engineers. They started their technical innovation venture locally, under the umbrella of Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) and grew internationally. Raffat Zreik, Co-founder & CEO of Gamyra, said “We’re proud to have developed the Magic Carpet system, from inception, locally in Qatar and by utilizing Qatari engineers and designers. ‘Magic Carpet – Explore Qatar’ is the first of its kind multi-year campaign to offer VR-based immersive educational experiences to kids and teenagers. We thank Ras Laffan Industrial City Community Outreach Program for their generous sponsorship that enabled the program to come to fruition, and Qatar Science and Technology Park for providing an excellent business environment that helps us thrive.
By harnessing the power of cutting-edge virtual reality technology, children can embark on a virtual journey, soaring above iconic landmarks and immersing themselves in the captivating stories of their nation's amazing history from a harsh desert environment to one of the most innovative and forward-thinking countries in the world.
"Our sponsorship of the ‘Magic Carpet – Explore Qatar’ program reflects our commitment to fostering educational excellence and supporting the advancement of the northern communities of Qatar," said Sheikha Dana Rashid Althani, the head of RLCOP, the sponsors behind this transformative initiative. "We firmly believe that by providing children with innovative tools and resources, we are empowering them to become global citizens who are not only knowledgeable about their own heritage but are also equipped to collaborate and thrive in the digital age."
Through Magic Carpet, children aged 8 to 16 are transported into the heart of Qatar's diverse landscapes and evolution including modern marvels such as Stadium 974 that hosted the World Cup. The virtual reality fly-throughs are designed with hydraulic movement and wind simulation to further engage their senses, immerse them in the experience and spark their curiosity, fostering a deep appreciation for Qatar's cultural treasures and inspiring a sense of pride in their heritage.
Children who have experienced Magic Carpet testify to its transformative impact, "I felt like I was flying over our beautiful country, seeing things I've never seen before. It made me proud to be Qatari!" – Fahad A, 11 years old.
“Magic Carpet takes us on an exciting adventure, teaching us about our history and traditions in a fun and interactive way. It's like being inside a time machine!" – Devan R, 8 years old.
As a result of the focused investment in technology made and used in Qatar, schools like Nord Anglia Al Khor are able to further enhance educational experiences for their students with state-of-the-art tools. The relationship between Nord Anglia Al Khor, RLCOP and Gamyra showcases the remarkable potential of collaboration between educational institutions and local tech pioneers, facilitating the development of new educational approaches and fostering a culture of innovation.
"We are thrilled to be at the forefront of educational advancements, thanks to the unwavering support and vision of all involved," said Liz Lamb Principal, Nord Anglia International School. "Magic Carpet has transformed the way our students learn about their country, allowing them to explore Qatar's rich tapestry of culture, heritage, and innovation in a unique way that sparks the imagination for what’s possible. We are grateful for this opportunity to nurture the next generation of creative thinkers, problem solvers, and ambassadors of Qatar's rich traditions."
The success of Gamyra and the Magic Carpet – Explore Qatar program is an example of how Qatar is not only positioning itself as a leader in technological innovation but also empowering future generations to make significant contributions in an increasingly interconnected world. The work of each exemplifies the nation's commitment to unlocking the full potential of local talent and fostering educational collaborations that inspire lifelong learning.
This March, more than 200 international educators from 15 countries around the globe will descend on Hanoi, Vietnam to innovate, problem solve and brainstorm at one of the world’s largest academic conferences.
Year 10 NAISAK students participated in this special expedition that collaborated with our partner charity in Tanzania (Seeway) on sustainable programs, improving health and prospects for children and families. This included connecting with many local partners supporting in Educational facilities, sports coaching and sustainable agriculture.
Launched in January 2024, the YEY! Award (Young Entrepreneur of The Year Award) is a unique award developed by staff at NAISAK and is intended to enable NAISAK students to gather their brilliant entrepreneurial ideas and work with mentors to help communicate their ideas to others. The award is open for students from year 5-13.
