Manipal University Dubai formally inaugurates 750,000 sq. ft. campus at Dubai International Academic City

Presided over by His Excellency M. K. Lokesh, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, the two-day ceremony also witnessed the official inauguration of the institution's 750,000 sq. ft. campus at Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), the region's premier destination for higher education and a member of TECOM Investments' Education Cluster.

Established as an academic partner of DIAC in 2006, Manipal University welcomed students to its permanent campus in the academic year 2011-2012. Phase one of the purpose-built facility spreads over 250,000 sq. ft., with plans in place to roll-out phase two which comprising residential infrastructure for students and faculty.

The convocation additionally served as a platform to commemorate the institution's success in the presence of Dr Ramdas M. Pai, Chancellor, Manipal University. His Excellency M. K. Lokesh opened the ceremony with a keynote address, congratulating the faculty and students and encouraging the new graduates to continue in their quest for learning and excellence.

Dr B. Ramjee, Director, Manipal University Dubai, said, "This is a momentous occasion for us at Manipal University Dubai. We are proud to be graduating over 450 students who are ready to embark on the next challenge in their careers, going on to become the future leaders."

Ramjee said, "Manipal University firmly believes in supporting the global academic community through offering best-in-class opportunities to students. Towards this direction, our institution has focused on enriching the higher education landscape in the region, since its establishment in Dubai in 2000. The formal inauguration of our permanent campus in the presence of our Chancellor Dr Ramdas Pai and other distinguished leaders of the academic community reinforces our long term commitment to the UAE."

Manipal University has evolved as a competitive interdisciplinary international branch campus in Dubai with an alumni base of over 2,500 students. Today, the university enrols over 1,500 students from 26 nations across the globe across 25 different programmes specifically designed to cater to the needs of the economy, including media and communications, mechanical engineering, biotechnology, forensic science and architecture.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, TECOM Investments' Education Cluster, said, "As a globally competitive hub for higher education, an integral part of DIAC's mission is to support the advancement of its academic partners. The consistent and sharp upward growth trend exhibited by Manipal University in Dubai is commendable. It is with the shared interest in developing and retaining talent for the success of the economy that the university has blossomed into a centre for world-class educational excellence."

Dubai International Academic City hosts 21 of the UAE's 37 International Branch Campuses (IBC's) from 11 countries. Students at DIAC have access to over 400 higher education courses including undergraduate and post-graduate disciplines in engineering, IT, media, business, fashion design, healthcare and mass communications.