Applied Science University (ASU), one of the first private universities in Bahrain that teaches in both English and Arabic, will move to its new campus in September, a report said.

The campus has been established according to international standards comparable to European and American Universities, and green building standards in an attempt to contribute to the development of Tubli Bay, added the report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

So far, 90 per cent of the work has been completed on the campus which has a total cost of BD13 million ($34.25 million). The cost of the land on which the campus is being built has reached BD4.5 million. The cost of establishing academic and administrative buildings is around BD7 million, while furnishing them cost BD1.5 million.

In conjunction with the opening of the new campus, ASU intends to introduce new disciplines, including Faculty of Engineering, and also to host academic programs in collaboration with the best British and American universities, so that ASU’s certificate is awarded alongside certificates from the hosted universities.

ASU also plans to build separate residential complexes for male and female students after attracting students from Arab and foreign nationalities.

The total built up area of the campus spreads over 24,000 sq m and is designed to accommodate around 2100 students at the same time, to reach a capacity of 6300 students distributed over mornings, evenings and weekends, which is ideal for staff and students alike.

Dr Waheeb Al Khaja, the President of ASU said: “The buildings conforms to international standards proposed by the Advisory Office in adopting the design requirements of the Gulf, European and American universities.”

Bahrain-based Ismail Khonji Associates (IKA)’s manager, Mohammed Abdulaziz said: “The campus is designed to provide a suitable educational atmosphere in accordance with the highest international and local standards using the latest electronic means in classrooms, including design studios, lecture halls, computer labs, language and specialized laboratories, as well as a high-tech library and a theatre with 320 seats well-equipped to hold seminars and cultural activities, in addition to tennis, handball, volleyball, basketball and badminton courts. Wifi connection will be available across the campus.”

Ghazi Nass, manager of Nass Contracting, the contractor of ASU’s new project said: “The work began in March last year and 75 per cent of the buildings have been completed so far. The project is progressing restlessly in an attempt to meet the scheduled delivery date in June. Around 200 to 300 construction workers are currently working on the project.” – TradeArabia News Service