The British University in Dubai (BUiD has announced plans to relocate its campus from Knowledge Village to Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) in time for the February 2010 intake.

The decision, to shift to the world's only free zone dedicated to higher education, comes following the university’s plans to upgrade and expand its facilities to accommodate more programmes, students, and staff, said a senior official.

“An increased number of professionals based in the UAE and surrounding countries are looking at higher education to meet their career goals,” said Prof Abdulla Alshamsi, vice-chancellor, BUiD.

“To accommodate the growth in demand for our programme offerings, and to meet our goals in expanding and upgrading our facilities, our move in February next year will further establish BUiD as a truly local University with a global vision,” he noted.

With new programmes in the pipeline, including the recent announcement of the UAE’s first Doctorate, and MSc Construction Law and Dispute Resolution courses commencing in February 2010, BUiD’s relocation will allow for more room for growth, Prof Alshamsi said.

At the new campus, BUiD also plans to extend its library, increase classroom capacity, and add more open-access space and staff offices. In addition, being based in Academic City will allow students travelling from all Emirates to take advantage of its central location.

“We are planning to be as flexible as possible. With the move, it will provide better access for our growing number of students from all the Emirates,” he added.

Martin Prince, Registrar, BUiD, said: “As Dubai’s own research-led University, BUiD aims to provide an educational environment which is truly a community of Knowledge-seeking and learning.”

“Having grown to respect and appreciate Tecom’s professionalism in its management and development of Knowledge Village, we are pleased to follow its strategic advice in relocating to Academic City,” Prince added.

Dr Ayoub Kazim, executive director of Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) and Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), both members of Tecom Investments, said: "The relocation of BUiD carried out with the support of Tecom Investments, will enable the academic institution to offer enhanced facilities and increased space for staff, students and the wider research and higher education community."

"Its new location at DIAC will also provide greater opportunity for collaboration and dialogue with stakeholders including the federal institutions, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Sheikh Hamdan e-University," he added.-TradeArabia News Service