H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak inaugurates RIT-Dubai New Campus at Dubai Silicon Oasis

Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai (RIT- Dubai), a world-class educational university and leading institute for technology established in partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSO), today announced the inauguration of its new dedicated campus at the high-tech park.

His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis, graced the opening ceremony of the dedicated campus for RIT Dubai.

The inauguration was also attended by Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Dr William W. Destler, President of Rochester Institute of Technology New York, and Dr Mustafa AG Abushagur, President RIT Dubai.

Dr. Mustafa AG Abushagur, said: “We have been looking forward to the opening of our new campus with great anticipation and are pleased to witness the fulfilment of our plans.  The new campus will provide us with additional lecture halls, engineering laboratories and larger space for student activities.

“Although RIT Dubai has been operating since 2008, this new facility will allow us to take in more students especially with the 2011 enrolments witnessing an increase of 34 per cent and consequently reflecting the need for a larger facility. The higher intake is also a testimony to RIT’s commitment to offer programmes that meet the career aspirations of students and provide Dubai’s technology sector with easy access to talent for its industry-specific needs.”

As a specialist technology university based at Dubai Silicon Oasis, RIT Dubai offers bachelor’s programmes in a range of subjects including electrical and mechanical engineering, business administration management and marketing. Postgraduate courses are also available across service leadership, innovation, networking systems and administration and electrical and mechanical engineering.

Dr. William W. Destler said: “Students are attracted to RIT Dubai for its offering of internationally recognised degrees that are issued through its parent campus RIT in New York. The certification is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as the US Department of Education, which has led to a significant increase in the number of students enrolling at the university.”

Facilities at RIT Dubai include a technology incubation centre that was launched earlier this year. The centre aims to foster innovation, support technological projects and encourage viable entrepreneurship efforts in the field of technology through the provision of an enabling environment

Originally founded in 1829, the Rochester Institute of Technology is now the 11^th largest private university in the US. The university boasts high-quality, competitive, technology-based graduate and post graduate degree programmes that fulfil the constantly changing corporate and industry needs. The Rochester Institute of Technology prides itself on preparing students for successful careers in a global society.