In Thuwal, rund 100 Kilometer nördlich von Jeddah, entsteht auf einem Gelände von 30 Millionen Quadratmetern eine neue technische Hochschule. Das Projekt wird rund 10 Milliarden Saudi Riyal (rund 2,6 Milliarden Dollar) kosten, berichten informierte Quellen. Unterrichtsbeginn soll 2008 sein.
Saudi Arabia to set up SR10bn university of technology
Arab News - 29 November, 2006
A university of science and technology is being constructed in Thuwal, about 100 km north of Jeddah. Spread over an area of 30 million square meters along the Red Sea, the project would cost SR10 billion ($ 2.6 billion), informed sources said. Classes are scheduled to begin in 2008.
The new university, named after Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, will offer studies in micro-technology, nano-technology, water and conservation technology, biotechnology, information technology and computer science and programs.
Egyptian Nobel Prize laureate Ahmed Zewail is a leading candidate to become the university’s president, a source said.
According to Dr. Abdullah Al-Othman, deputy minister of Higher Education, the king has already allocated funds for the university project. “An endowment property will be set aside to ensure continuous revenues required for running the institution,” he said.
Al-Othman said the university would receive not only Saudis but also some outstanding Muslim students from other countries.
“The main standard for work and study at this university is excellence and innovative capabilities. Priority will be given to foreign scientists and Muslim students,” he added. “This university is the brainchild of King Abdullah,” he said, adding that the university would provide an atmosphere conducive to research and development.
In a previous statement the king emphasized the need for achieving scientific and technological progress.
“We are living in an era of scientific and technological advancement,” he said. “There is no real power without achieving progress in science and technology. Anyone failing to achieve excellence in these subjects will be marginalized. The new university will aim at achieving excellence in science and technology.”
Work on the project, which is managed by Saudi Aramco, has already started, the sources said. “King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is aimed at producing future pioneers in science and technology and promoting the Kingdom’s research and technological capabilities,” said Khaled Abdul Aziz Al-Faleh, Aramco’s vice president for industrial affairs. The new university project is significant as it would support the Kingdom’s push for achieving balanced development for all regions by opening mega economic cities, which require highly educated and trained manpower. At present most high-tech jobs are done by expatriate workers.