Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Executive Council on Thursday approved a proposal to merge Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and the Petroleum Institute under the umbrella of one university.
It okayed the commencement plans and operational framework of the new university, and issued directives to forward the law on establishing it.
The objective behind the merger is to make the university one of the best in the world, utilise the infrastructure and build on achievements accomplished by all three universities.
The merger will help take the university’s operational capabilities into a higher gear, ensuring the ideal utilisation of available resources, the council said.
The approval came during a council meeting chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The new entity will preserve the strengths of the universities and build on their capabilities, enhancing academic and research activities in various specialisations. The new university will also preserve current research achievements in order to maintain local and global reputation.
Infrastructure projects
The council also approved the setting up of three converter stations to supply power to new development projects in Al Ain at a cost of Dh190 million.
The council also gave the green light to awarding the contract for constructing the commercial area in Madinat Zayed (Phase 1) at a cost of Dh1 billion, as well as awarding the contract for a 153-hectare Emirati housing project in Al Hayer area in Al Ain that will comprise 300 housing units and 30 land plots at a cost of Dh687 million.
The council approved the development works for Al Zahiyah area at a cost of Dh249 million to keep pace with the urban development witnessed by Abu Dhabi, provide comprehensive solutions for this vital area and improve traffic flow.
It also approved awarding the contract for development of internal roads, infrastructure and 647 houses in Al Shawamekh area at a cost of Dh254 million.
Works include the construction of 28km-long internal roads, 5,472 car parking spots, as well as a telecommunication, sewage, water and power networks.
The council also gave the nod to awarding the contract for increasing the capacity of the road from Al Fayah to Razeen and Al Quaa at a cost of Dh377 million.
The council endorsed the building a secondary school with a capacity for 2,100 students at a cost of Dh129 million.
The move complements the government’s plans to offer educational facilities that are on a par with the high educational standards achieved by the emirate.
The council reviewed the progress achieved on completing Louvre Abu Dhabi and development projects being carried out in Al Ain Zoo, such as Al Safari Park, whose first phase has been completed.
