Abu Dhabi University said work on the new extension to its female dormitory has been completed and is set to open with the start of the 2017-2018 academic year, said a report.

Designed to cater to the rise in demand for on-campus student housing, which already accommodates 408 students in segregated male and female dorms, the Dh17.5 million ($4.76 million) project adds 93 rooms spanning over 4,200 sq m that can accommodate 144 female students, reported state news agency Wam.

The new facility will offer state-of-the-art services and facilities, such as a multi-purpose hall, a gym, discussion and reading rooms, several service rooms and outdoor courtyards, it said.

The university currently hosts more than 7,000 students from 70 nationalities across its campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, according to the report.

The number is expected to rise as its new postgraduate campus in Dubai opens in the academic year 2017-2018, it added.