Sheikh Saud holds talks with delegation from George Mason University

The meeting discussed the progress in the setting up of the George Mason University- Ras Al Khaimah (GMU-RAK) campus, the first full branch campus for an American university in the UAE. The master plan for the campus was presented before Sheikh Saud at the meeting which was also attended by CEO of the RAK Investment and Development Office (IDO), Dr. Izzat Dajani.

Sheikh Saud said that setting up of GMU-RAK campus is one among the series of new projects being launched by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah to make the emirate a hub of higher education in the region.

He added that GMU-RAK would help set higher standards in the education sector of the country and whole of the region. 'We will also be having Al Hamra Academy, a state-of-the-art boarding school, next door to the GMU-RAK campus', he said.

Dr. Peter Stearns said that the University is hoping to move to its permanent campus by Fall 2008. The campus located along the Emirates Highway would be part of a master planned education region which would also house campuses of the Al Hamra Academy and the Future University.

He said that classes at GMU- RAK would commence on September 17, 2006 at its temporary premises near RAK City. The University would initially offer undergraduate degree programmes in Biology, Business Administration, Electronics and Communications Engineering and Nursing. 'The interest shown by the student community from across the region in GMU-RAK has been remarkable', he said.

The GMU-RAK campus would have facilities to accommodate around four thousand students. It would provide most modern facilities to its students and faculty, including well-equipped labs and a library complex. Plans also include a recreation and fitness center, sports facilities, a student lounge, and a full complement of student and academic services. All major facilities at the campus would be linked by a walkway.

The ambitious venture enjoys the active support and involvement of the RAK Government through the educational initiative of the Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Development Office- EDRAK.

The meeting was attended by David Wilsford, Vice President for the GMU- RAK campus, Allen Anderson, Academic Advisor for the Al Hamra Academy and representatives from Ellerbe Becket and consultants, Halcrow International Partnership.