Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 19 November, 2007 - Michigan State University (MSU), a top ranked US public Tier I research university, today launched its regional campus at Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a member of TECOM InvestmentsTECOM Investments.

The Michigan State University Dubai campus is a not-for-profit academic institution. It will offer bachelor and master's degree programmes with sessions beginning in August 2008. The campus will include laboratories and state-of-the-art student community centres.

A special ceremony to mark the launch was attended by Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA); Dr. Lou Anna K. Simon, President, Michigan State University and Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director, Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Village. Dr. Brendan Mullan, who will serve as the Executive Director of MSU in Dubai, was also present.

In September, the renowned US institution announced its partnership with DIAC to set up the campus. The joint initiative between TECOM InvestmentsTECOM Investments and MSU supports the objectives set out in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 and will cater to the emerging higher education needs of the region.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim said: "Our partnership with Michigan State University reflects our efforts to drive higher education in the region to world class standards. The presence of such renowned academic entities will further strengthen Dubai's position as the most sought after destination for advanced studies in the region. It is an expression of our endeavour to create and sustain a knowledge-based economy in the Arab world."

MSU President Dr. Lou Anna K. Simon, said: "The launch of Michigan State University's educational premises in Dubai International Academic City exemplifies our commitment to expanding knowledge and transforming communities throughout the world.

"Our presence in Dubai will broaden MSU's reach into an important region of the world. It also reflects our dedication to building international partnerships that provide enhanced global educational opportunities and experiences for all of our students."

Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), said:"The arrival of a top institution like Michigan State University (MSU) in Dubai is a significant aspect of KHDA's strategy to establish the emirate as a regional centre of excellence in higher education, university research and development. Dubai International Academic City, part of TECOM InvestmentsTECOM Investments, has achieved commendable results in identifying and attracting premier global institutions that enhance Dubai's educational offerings.

"Since 1855, MSU has set incomparable standards in high quality education. It is especially exciting to think that 150 years later Dubai and the Gulf region have joined this history. With the increasing demand for tertiary education and the current limits in capacity, the addition of MSU to Dubai confirms the KHDA's strategy to effectively address these critical issues."

Dr. John Hudzik, Vice President for Global Engagement and Strategic Initiatives, MSU, the key administrative leader for the University's Dubai initiative, was present at the launch ceremony along with Dr. Marietta Baba, Dean of the College of Social Science, MSU.

Dr. Hudzik expressed his appreciation of the support the University has received from corporate and government leaders in Dubai. He said: "With this launch, we begin implementation of Michigan State University's long-standing goal of establishing an educational presence in the Gulf region. We look forward to an effective partnership for many years to come."

Degree options being considered at the MSU campus in Dubai include areas as diverse as media, communications, public relations, computer engineering, construction management, family studies and business related programmes. The MSU faculty and administrators have consulted extensively with Dubai's corporate and government leaders to identify relevant academic offerings.

Until its new DIAC campus becomes functional, the MSU will maintain a contact office in Knowledge Village.

MSU in Dubai will be the first not-for-profit international higher education initiative in the UAE. The campus will bridge regional higher education needs while collaborating with premier institutions of higher learning in the emirate. MSU will have full academic authority and quality control over the courses and programmes.

With a heritage of more than 150 years, MSU has long been ranked with Harvard, Yale, MIT and UMASS as a Carnegie Foundation Research I University, offering a full range of academic programmes from undergraduate to doctorate degrees.

Currently, DKVDKV and DIAC host 20 reputed international universities from 10 countries including the US, the UK, Belgium, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Australia, France and the Indian Subcontinent.

-Ends-

For further information, please call:
Zeba Ahmad
JiWiN
The Exclusive Middle East Affiliate of Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +9714 361 3590 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
Fax: +9714 388 8001
e-mail: Zeba.Ahmad@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2007 from JIWIN

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