Sheikh Saud inaugurates laying of foundation stone for George Mason University campus in Ras Al Khaimah

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Peter Stearns, Provost, George Mason University - USA, Dr. Izzat Dajani, Chief Executive of Investment & Development Office - Government of Ras Al Khaimah (IDO) along with a large group of dignitaries and guests.

Commenting on the importance of the event, HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi said:

"Ras Al Khaimah is taking serious moves in developing its infrastructure, where education is an integral part of it; educating our human resources, our manpower who will carry this country's future ahead with it. This venture is also a step towards making RAK the destination for better investments, better opportunities and a better future. RAK is poised to become a regional hub for education excellence."

Dr. Stearns expressed his optimism towards GMU-RAK's future and reflected upon the impressive economic development in RAK emirate and the commitment and dedication of the leadership of the Emirate. He further emphasized that with the current pace at which RAK Emirate is developing, the GMU-RAK will become a beacon for the highest educational standards in the country serving its main aim to educate the region's youth.

GMU-RAK brings a unique value proposition to the Middle East, by being a full-fledged branch campus of one of America's leading universities, George Mason University. This will ensure replication of American Standards in all academic matters such as the quality of faculty and curricula.

Being the branch campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia close to Washington, DC, the degrees awarded from GMU-RAK shall be exactly as those obtained at GMU-USA,, thus providing GMU-RAK with a clear education edge..

Dr. Dajani said that Investment & Development Office acted as Sponsor to this initiative, working closely with Dubai-based ETA Group to cement this project with GMU-USA. Dr. Dajani added that this initiative was the brain child of HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi who gave clear directives to bring this important initiative to fruition. "With the support & guidance of HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, this project will become a flagship university and a centre of educational excellence in the region. Recently there has been a paradigm shift whereby UAE and other GCC nationals in additional to regional countries are more eager to pursue higher education within the region, particularly in seriously qualified academic institutions that provide world class educational environment. GMU-RAK will fulfill all this. The employment market is booming within GCC countries, which stretches the need for more locally well-qualified individuals.

At GMU-RAK, all senior faculty appointments such as Provost (Academic President) and Academic Deans of different Departments will come from the USA in line with GMU-USA staffing reuirements.

The University's first academic year will commence in September 2006 offering degrees in the fields of Business Administration, Electronic & Communication Engineering, Nursing and .Biology. Also GMU-RAK will have a one-year foundation program for English Language proficiency. Other disciplines will be added as the university progresses over a short number ofd years. George Mason University in USA will be responsible for the entire academic management of the campus, while EDRAK, IDO's educational initiative, will be responsible for administrative and financial management of the campus.

The campus will have first class boarding facilities for faculty and students alike. GMU-RAK will grow into a 5000-strong student body attracting students from the entire region including GCC, Iran, Indian Subcontinent, Pakistan, and other Middle East countries. There will also be exchange programs between the GMU-RAK campus and the parent campus in USA. Students can also transfer seamlessly between any of the GMU campuses in USA.

"The venture enjoys the active support and involvement of the RAK government through IDO's educational initiative, EDRAK, a private joint stock company registerd in RAK Free Zone with an authorized capital of AED 1.5 billion and paid up capital of AED 1.0 billion. The success of this venture is of strategic importance to the growth agenda of RAK in particular and the UAE in general, and EDRAK is committed to accomplish the aims of the RAK Government for a better educational future for residents of this country," concluded Dr. Dajani.