Nahayan unveils Zayed University's new campus design

The ceremony was attended by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak CEO and Managing Director of Mubadala, Sheikh Shakhbut Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim Vice President of Zayed University, HE Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh Chairman of ALDAR Properties, Dr. Tayeb Kamaly Vice Chancellor of The Higher Colleges of Technology, and Dr. Daniel Johnson Provost of Zayed University.

Speaking at the ceremony, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan explained that Zayed University's new campus will not only be a state of the art academic and research facility designed according to the highest international standards in the building of universities and research centers; but will also reflect a combination of traditional and contemporary architectural and engineering elements, highlighting the national identity and architectural heritage of the UAE.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan commended the initiative and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and President of the Abu Dhabi Educational Council in establishing this academic edifice, which will become a landmark in the higher education sector, that translates the vision and continuous attention His Highness Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi has always shown for this vital sector.

His Excellency added that the new state of the art campus with its designs and international standard facilities will be worthy of having Zayed University's name. A name, we feel proud and honored that this university bears; the name of the founder of the United Arab Emirates, the late President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who established this university 11 years ago as a beacon of science, knowledge and a bridge between cultures.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan praised the unstinting patronage and important role which His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE plays in education, His Excellency further extended his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister, Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and President of the Abu Dhabi Educational Council for his unconditional support; through their untiring efforts and under their guidance and leadership Zayed University has progressed to the forefront of higher education regionally and nationally.

His Excellency also commended Mubadala's efforts in working with international consultants to design Zayed University's new campus, so that it provides a unique learning environment through the inclusion of scientific laboratories, libraries, classrooms, and other facilities that enhance Zayed University's leadership in the region.

As per the agreement signed in December 2008, Mubadala is designing, building and financing the new campus in addition to overseeing the non academic operations of the new facilities for a period of 25 years from construction completion date.

Mubadala has hired Al Habtoor Engineering Enterprises LLC and Murray & Roberts Contractors for the design and build contract.

"The development of Zayed University's new campus is an example of Mubadala's commitment to diversify the economy by developing an educational infrastructure that underpins a well organized and flourishing society," said Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Mubadala. "Fostering a new generation of business leaders and building a prosperous future for the people of Abu Dhabi remain a fundamental part of our mandate."

Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim Vice President of Zayed University explained that the new campus will include faculty and administration buildings, classrooms, science and computer labs, a library of over 18,000 m2, a cafeteria to meet all students needs, in addition to a sports complex, and a conference center equipped with the latest technologies to organize and host numerous events and conferences of national, regional and global levels.

Dr. Al Jassim added, The groundbreaking of Zayed University's new Abu Dhabi Campus is the latest chapter the University's development. It coincides with the launching of the University's new strategic Plan, "Destined to Lead." The plan has been developed at the request of His Excellency Sheik Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, and it sets out a vision for the University's next five years, envisioning the expansion of the University's institutions and the strengthening of its teaching and research programs.

Dr. Al Jassim explained that the plan "Destined to Lead" contains several initiatives relevant to current discussions about national identity, underscoring the seriousness with which Zayed University sees its role as a national university with a major role to play in strengthening national culture.

"Destined to Lead" includes plans to establish an Institute for Islamic Studies, a center for Emirati studies that would support the preservation and teaching of national heritage, and a research center dedicated to bilingual education that will support the preparation of students abilities in both Arabic and English.

The plan also envisions supporting national economic development through the strengthening of math and science education and the establishment of an International College for International and Advanced Studies that will bring the research capacity of leading world scholars to the UAE for short periods of time to assist in tackling issues of national concern. The new campus's magnificent new facility in Abu Dhabi signals the nation's commitment to this vision.