The University of Birmingham has broken ground on the second phase of its Dubai campus in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a member of TECOM Group, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister for Higher Education and Advanced Skills. This landmark event marks the next stage in the global Top 100 University’s long-term commitment to supporting UAE society, particularly through its teaching and research.
H.E. Dr. Al Falasi was joined by Malek Al Malek, CEO of TECOM Group and the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood, who visited Dubai for the landmark ceremony, and they broke the ground on the site that will be home to the new campus from September 2021.
"Breaking ground on our iconic new campus is another exciting milestone and demonstrates the University of Birmingham’s long-term commitment to the UAE. I would like to thank the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), TECOM Group, DIAC and all our partners in the region for their generous support in helping us reach this point. Our new campus will provide students from the UAE and beyond with excellent, innovative facilities and a first-class education from an elite British university, that sees them graduate as high-achieving and employable problem solvers."
Professor Sir David Eastwood, University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor
The campus will be home for up to 2,900 students - featuring innovative teaching and research space to encourage cross disciplinary working. There will be a focus on learning spaces incorporating digital technology and a student hub to support student needs across teaching and wellbeing.
The building will be located opposite the city’s first purpose-built student housing community - looking across parkland and green spaces and reflecting the green heart of the University’s campus in Birmingham giving the student community a campus university experience. Sheltered courtyards and social spaces that have been designed to enhance the campus’ sustainability will provide a relaxing environment in keeping with the Dubai climate.
“TECOM Group is one of main drivers of the UAE’s knowledge economy and a key supporter of home-grown talent. To this end, we are committed to consolidating Dubai’s position as a destination of choice for world-class academic institutions. Our partnership with Birmingham on the development of this campus is testament to our continued support to our partners to create an ecosystem that enables growth and makes a positive impact in the region.”
Malek Al Malek, CEO of TECOM Group
The event also saw Professor Sir David Eastwood sign a co-operation agreement with His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on behalf of the authority. The University of Birmingham Dubai has partnered with the DHA to identify research, education, training and management opportunities in healthcare.
“We are a global university with a civic outlook committed to contributing to UAE society through partnership in education and areas of research strength that support the National Agenda and Vision 2021. Our commitment is further enhanced by the landmark agreement that we signed today with Dubai Healthcare Authority.”
Professor Sir David Eastwood, University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor
Source: University of Birmingham Dubai