Saudi Arabia's Taif University will begin the construction of its branches located in the governorates of Ranyah, Turubah and Al Khurmah in the province of Mecca. The campuses will collectively cover an area of eight million square meters, with cost estimated at around USD 400 million (SAR 1.5 billion), an official source told Zawya.
According to Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Talhy, general supervisor of Taif University's public relations and media department, "a specialized consultant has been assigned to perform all the necessary studies pertaining to the project, as well as the preliminary drawings for the first phase."
The development comes as Saudi Arabia's government intensifies efforts to raise the kingdoms' education program. For the fiscal year 2013/2014, the government has allocated a total of USD 3.57 billion (SAR 13.4 billion) for higher education projects.
Al Talhy said the initial construction phase of the university branches will cover an area of 600,000 square meters for each governorate. It will also include 20 educational and administrative buildings for mall and female students.
The project will involve the construction of gates, infrastructure, a mosque, academic facilities, study halls, classrooms, laboratories, administrative buildings, dean offices, a central library,an events auditorium, activity buildings, sports areas, as well as cafeterias and lounges.
"The estimated capacity will be approximately 15,000 students in each of the three governorates, with the costs of the first phase of construction totaling around SAR 500 million (USD 133 million) for each branch. This phase is expected to be completed within three years' time," added Al Talhy.
© Zawya 2013
