Monday, Sep 23, 2013

After experiencing success with its first campus in Dubai,in 2005, Heriot Watt University, Dubai inaugrates its second phase of its campus today. According to Professor Steve Chapman, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Heriot Watt University said: “We are delighted to welcome Lord Green to the new development as we embark on the latest chapter of our journey. This official opening is the realisation of a lot of planning and hard work for the university.The Dubai Campus, with its 3500 students across a variety of disciplines, is of great importance to Heriot-Watt University’s international expansion. We look forward to building on success here with the opening of Phase 2 and to offering an enhanced student experience.”

The 100 million structure is to be inaugurated by Lord Green, the UK minister of State for Trade and Investment and features on-campus accommodation along with a variety of student services including a 700 capacity auditorium anda host of other leisure facilities such as an extensive food court, coffee house,shops and a beauty salon to add value to the learning and residential experience of both local and international scholars.

Lord Green, who will deliver a keynote speech during his appearance, said: “The UK and UAE share an excellent business relationship which continues to grow. “There was a 9% increase in UK exports to the UAE this year and an even larger increase in UAE exports to the UK. On top of the trade in tangible goods, the UK and UAE are partners in education which is critical to the future of both our economies. Since the establishment of a UK-UAE Taskforce in 2010, we continue to look at ways to collaborate even further.”

The university is launching a number of PhD programmes in an effort to develop research capability at the campus. This effort will also include leading and hosting international professional and research conferences, such as the International Psychology Conference Dubai which will take place on November, 1st this year.

The university is also looking forward to offering the highly demanded and fourth of its fundamental Engineering subject areas; a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Petroleum, Oil & Gas.

Last September the University experienced a 66% increase in international students intake with that figure expected to rise again this year.

Staff Report

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