The Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (Rakia), an investment enterprise owned by the government of Ras Al Khaimah and the renowned Swiss institute Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) have collaborated to create a new university campus.

Based in Ras Al Khaimah, the new university campus will develop leading-edge research programmes, graduate and post-graduate educational programmes (Master’s, PhD, continuing education, etc.) and practical and innovative technology transfer interfaces with the industrial and economic base in the UAE.

These activities will take place in state-of-the-art scientific and technological infrastructures.

The project will give the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE, the high-level research and teaching resources necessary for taking on the daunting technological challenges that the Gulf states will be facing in domains such as energy, environment, construction, and information technology.

EPFL and Rakia will promote closer cooperation between students, members of the academe, researchers and entrepreneurs. Rakia would support EPFL in locally applying its unique methods of transdisciplinary research and inter-organisational coordination.

“We are intensifying efforts to improve our infrastructure and utilities to maintain our status as one of the Middle East’s most attractive business and investment destinations,” said Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

“A key factor that will determine our long-term success is our ability to expand our research and scientific capabilities to match the needs of local industries. Strategic ventures with prominent institutions such as EPFL are vital for us to attain our development goals,” he added.

Rakia will promote research and educational programs in the emirate, the acquisition of scientific and technical equipment, and infrastructure operations in coordination with EPFL.

The project also involves collaboration with EPFL’s more than 250 laboratories and research groups in its Lausanne, Switzerland Campus. In addition, both parties are preparing a joint- and equally-owned financial structure.

Pascal Couchepin, Minister of the Federal Department of Home Affairs - Social Affairs, Health and Education – Switzerland, said: “We fully support Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to the advancement of education, science and research using our own successful experiences in these fields. The EPFL-Rakia alliance reflects the importance of considering both the economic and social aspects of national growth.”

Patrick Aebischer, president, EPFL Switzerland added: “We will be closely working with Rakia on the development of teaching and research programs and the necessary infrastructure over the next few months.

“Our local campus here will provide a targeted partnership which can effectively take advantage of Ras Al Khaimah’s excellent business and community resources. We particularly look forward to our collaboration in environment and energy R&D.”

Several companies and major educational institutions are building sites and campuses in Ras Al Khaimah due to its rapid emergence as a major development hub. The emirate is renowned for its unique combination of streamlined administrative procedures and strategic location. – TradeArabia News Service