George Mason University of USA to open campus in RAK

The landmark educational project will be a joint initiative between RAK- Human Development Foundation (RAK-HDF), a collaboration between
RAK Government, Al Ghurair Investments and ETA Ascon Group, Dubai and the George Mason University, USA.

The campus of the George Mason University in Ras Al Khaimah, christened `GMU-RAK Campus', is designed to be a world class centre of excellence in Higher Education. The Government of RAK has allotted 200 acres of land alongside the Emirates Highway and has also provided a `free trade zone' status for the new campus.

Speaking after the signing of the agreement, attended by a galaxy of dignitaries, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and
Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said that the new campus will mark a milestone in the educational sector of the UAE in general and RAK in particular. "It will also take us a step closer to the grand vision of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to provide outstanding
educational facilities to the students in UAE", he said.

The University is scheduled to start its regular Under Graduate programmes in its permanent campus from September 2006. However it will start offering a foundation programme in English language from its temporary premises in RAK City from September 2005 onwards.

The George Mason University will be responsible for all the academic operations in the new campus and students will be awarded degrees same as the ones issued at GMU, USA. A full-time Dean will be posted from the George Mason University, USA to head the academic operations. A Governing Body for GMU-RAK Campus, consisting of 3 members from GMU and 3 members from RAK-HDF, has been formed to oversee the operations of the project.

The RAK-HDF, on its part, will provide world class infrastructure facilities at the campus including college buildings, laboratories,
library, auditorium, residential halls, sports and recreational facilities etc. A Master Concept Plan for the campus is under design
by M/s Ellerbe Becket of Washington DC.

The initial programmes to be offered at the Campus include 4- year Under Graduate programme in Business, Information Technology, Nursing and Pharmacy. A 2- year Master's programme in Business Administration will also be offered, followed by an Under Graduate programmes in Engineering. A Centre for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, billed to be the first of its kind in the region, is another highlight of the academic offerings at the GMU-RAK campus.

Dr. Peter Stearns, Provost, GMU University, said that the University is much excited for having got an opportunity to establish its campus
in RAK. "The GMU-RAK will be the first of its kind in the region- a Campus managed academically by a reputed American University with full involvement of the Middle East", he said.

He said that the University was expecting 200 students in the first batch and the student strength is expected to grow to more than 2,000 in the next 10 years. GMU- RAK Campus is expected to attract students from UAE, the entire Middle East and countries like India and Pakistan, he said.

"The willingness of the RAK Government to provide an `international free trade zone' for an American University speaks volumes about the
tremendous faith they have reposed on us", he said. He said that the `free zone' status will provide the necessary regulatory climate for
the University and helps for establishing high academic standards and carry out the accreditation process.

Half of the faculty for the Undergraduate and Masters programmes at the GMU-RAK Campus will be from the USA, according to Stearns. Students will also have the option of getting transferred to GMU, USA campus at the end of the second year and complete their programme in USA. They can also go through exchange programmes wherby a semester is taken in GMU, USA Campus.

GMU, USA is an internationally renowned University offering a wide array of academic programmes, enterprising scholars and teachers, and a student body representing 135 countries. GMU currently has three campuses within Virginia, in Fairfax, Arlington and Prince Williams County, USA and has a total student strength of more than 27,000.

The other signatories to the agreement signed today at the Crown Prince's Palace were Dr. Long Nguyen, Member of Board of Visitors and Dr. Peter Stearns, Provost, GMU, Essa Al Ghurair, on behalf of the Al- Ghurair Investments, Dubai and Syed M. Salahuddin, on behalf of ETA Ascon Group, Dubai.

US Ambassador to the UAE, Michele Sison, Consul General of USA in Dubai, Jason Davis, Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Finance Department, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Ports and Customs, Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK International Airport, Dr. Izzat Dajani, Chief Executive of the Investment and Development Office, RAK and M Riazuddin, Director, ETA- NET, were present on the occasion.