Dh313 million expansion approved for RIT Dubai Campus at Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai: Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has approved the second phase of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai University campus expansion at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).

Valued at over Dh313 million, this expansion will add 85,000 square metres of advanced educational infrastructure — increasing the total campus built-up area by nearly 217% to 124,000 square metres — significantly scaling up the campus capacity and reinforcing RIT Dubai’s role as a global leader in academia and research.

Capacity for 4,500 students

Upon completion, the expansion will boost the capacity of the campus by 115%, enabling it to accommodate approximately 4,500 students. The development will comprise nine new academic and administrative buildings, alongside cutting-edge educational and support facilities, including an expanded parking structure.

The project will be delivered in two phases, with the first scheduled for completion by Q1 2027 and the second marking full completion by Q3 2028. This will bring the total investment in the university’s buildings since its establishment and through the completion of this new expansion to over Dh520 million.

Sheikh Ahmed said that the expansion of RIT-Dubai reflects the vision of Dubai’s wise leadership to establish an educational system that evolves alongside technological transformations and enhances the nation’s competitiveness in scientific research and innovation, as a key pillar of Dubai’s vision for educational development.

“We firmly believe that universities are the cornerstone of the knowledge economy. By advancing RIT Dubai within the innovative ecosystem of Dubai Silicon Oasis, we are nurturing a future-oriented educational environment that will further attract creative minds and empower key sectors by providing them with the next generation of talent. This expansion will not only address Dubai’s growing academic needs but also play a pivotal role in building a knowledge-based society. In turn, it will support a diversified and sustainable economy, positioning Dubai as one of the world’s top three urban economies by 2033,” he noted.

Leading academic destination

Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, said: “The expansion of RIT Dubai is a major milestone in reinforcing Dubai Silicon Oasis as a premier hub for innovation and education. It aligns with the strategy of transforming universities into free economic and creative zones. Dubai Silicon Oasis remains committed to supporting leading academic institutions in establishing specialised research programmes that align with the evolving demands of the rapidly expanding global digital economy.”

Advancing the digital economy

Dr Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, said that the expansion is key to meeting the rising demand for advanced academic programmes. “This expansion supports RIT Dubai’s mission to supply vital sectors with the talent needed to meet the growing demands of the digital economy. Since its establishment in 2008, RIT Dubai has become an integral part of the higher education system across the GCC and the Middle East, offering modern academic programmes that keep pace with the latest global developments in scientific research and innovation,” he stated.

“Aligned with Dubai’s vision for a knowledge-based economy, RIT Dubai is committed to developing and nurturing new programmes in emerging fields such as data science, AI, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability, and more. This will enhance RIT’s role in equipping the region’s digital economy with highly skilled professionals prepared to meet the future challenges of a rapidly evolving market,” he added.

New facilities

The expansion project will be executed in two phases, each covering 61,000 square metres. The first phase will involve the construction of two academic buildings, which will house the Department of Science and Arts and the Department of Business Administration. In addition, two administrative buildings, a student centre, a dining hall, and a modern parking facility will be developed. The new parking facility alone will deliver a 150% increase in capacity to accommodate the growing number of students and faculty.

The second phase will focus on the establishment of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, along with state-of-the-art applied science laboratories, collaborative research and innovation spaces, lecture halls, sports facilities, and a library.

Currently home to 2,100 students, RIT Dubai’s upcoming expansion will enable the campus to accommodate approximately 4,500 students by Q3 2028. This significant growth will not only meet the increasing demand for higher education but also reinforce the university’s commitment to providing world-class education and fostering a vibrant academic community.

Rapid developments in construction

Since its establishment in 2008, RIT Dubai has continually evolved its infrastructure to meet the growing need for technical education and innovation. In November 2021, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, officially inaugurated the new RIT Dubai campus at Dubai Silicon Oasis. RIT Dubai is a branch of the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, carrying with it a distinguished legacy of nearly 200 years of academic excellence. American-accredited degrees recognised by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education, with students also having the exceptional opportunity to study at RIT’s main campus in New York or any of its international branches, further enriching their academic experience and expanding their global opportunities.