Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), a highly-ranked private doctoral university in New York City comprising nine academic colleges, has launched its new campus at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park in the UAE.

The new 129,000-sq-m premises has the capacity to accommodate up to 4,000 students. The development will be completed in two phases at an investment of approximately Dh500 million ($136 million), said the company in a statement.

The first phase being developed at an estimated cost of Dh200 million is slated for handover in 2019, while the second phase will be implemented by 2023 at an estimated cost of Dh300 million.

Speaking at the launch, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, the regulatory body for the integrated free zone technology park, said: "In line with the directives of its visionary government, the UAE leads the way in adopting cutting-edge innovation. We strongly believe education is at the core of innovation, and are proud to support RIT Dubai’s plans to build a brand new campus at DSO."

"Rochester Institute of Technology is a globally acclaimed academic institution that significantly enriches science-based knowledge, boosts academic standards, and promotes the spirit of innovation,"

Stating that science and technology plays a vital role in achieving the UAE Vision 2021, Sheikh Ahmed said: "I am confident that educational opportunities with esteemed international academic institutions that boast world-class facilities, such as RIT Dubai, will shape a scientific mindset in our students."

"I hope to see more such projects in the UAE in support of the country’s innovation drive," he added.

Dr Mohammed Alzarooni, the vice chairman and chief executive of DSOA, said: "Our collaboration with the prestigious RIT aligns with our commitment to the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021. Once opened, the new Dubai campus will contribute to fulfilling the nation’s ambitions to advance knowledge and innovation through graduating well-educated and highly qualified future generations."

According to him, since its establishment at DSO in 2008, RIT Dubai has launched several academic programmes and courses that respond to the call of our visionary leadership to transform Dubai into the smartest and happiest city in the world.

Some of these include the Corporate Happiness Diploma course and the Master of City Science degree programme, he added.

Emphasising the university’s ability to drive innovation, Dr Yousef Al Assaf, the president of RIT Dubai, said: "The new home to our educational institution will feature several state-of-the-art academic facilities, apply distinctive education methods supported by the presence of multinational companies on campus, create an atmosphere conducive to learning, and cultivate a sense of belonging among our students."-TradeArabia News Service