Academic City will cater to more than 30,000 students

Dubai: Knowledge Village launched the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) initiative yesterday as part of a long-term strategy to develop the region's talent pool, according to the executive director of DKV.

The announcement came at a press conference at the 19th Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX) held at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The five-day event was inaugurated by Dr Saeed Al Hassani, undersecretary of higher education and scientific research.

The education free zone is located within Dubai International Academic City. It already houses seven universities.

"DIAC will only house international universities separating them from other public colleges and institutions in the area such as Dubai Men's College, Zayed University and other institutes," Dr Ayoub Kazim, the executive director of DKV, told Gulf News.

The project is expected to be completed in the next five to seven years according to business projections, said Dr Kazim. He added, "We have a very stringent selection criteria of colleges. However, we are expecting DIAC to house 25 international universities to cater to more than 30,000 students in the future."

According to Dr Kazim, the selection of international universities depends on a number of criteria including university ranking, strength and programmes that correspond to industry needs in the UAE.

DIAC will spread across an area of 25 million square feet. There will be areas dedicated to the international education zone, research and development centres, sports facilities, student unions and student and faculty accommodations.

Dr Kazim said DIAC was created in response to the sharp increase in the number of educational institutions from around the world coming to Dubai and those in Dubai Knowledge Village.

Dr Kazim added that there is no mandate for international universities based in DKV to move to the DIAC.