For those who are not yet in the know, we inform you - the first and so far the only Russian university in the UAE, which many knew as a branch of the St. Petersburg State University of Engineering and Economics (Inzhekon), finally received the official slogan - Russian University in Dubai and the corresponding English abbreviation URD. Now the Russian University in Dubai is a university that conducts training, training in programs and graduating with diplomas from several universities in Russia. In particular, specialists in the field of hotel industry and tourism are currently training. Next year, it is planned to begin training specialists for such fields as the oil and gas industry, healthcare and banking. In addition, with the beginning of 2007, a six-month course will begin at the university to teach Russian students in Asian and African countries the Russian language in preparation for entering various universities in Russia.
But the most important news was, perhaps, the announcement of plans to build their own academic building and student campus on the territory of the specialized Free Economic Zone Dubai Academic City.
The main advantage of the “campus” Academic City, which is designed to become one of the world's largest training centers, covering an area of almost 40 million square meters, is the opportunity for universities to build their own facilities, which in the future significantly reduces the current costs of renting suitable premises. Some universities have already begun their activities in Academic City. The highest construction activity and the arrival of the bulk of the universities is expected in 2008-2009.
A plot of land has already been allocated for the construction of the campus of the Russian University. This is a unique Russian investment project, in which many investment companies showed interest. The construction of the university and the campus is planned in the very center of Academic City, between the administrative buildings, the central sports complex and a large shopping center. The idea of a four-story building for a school building for 1000 people was taken from the architectural style of St. Petersburg and the university building located on Marat Street. The architects wanted to show the unity of experience gained over the 100-year history of the university with modernity and create a building that will be positively different from others. The educational building will accommodate 80 classrooms for 10 people, 5 lecture halls and 20 seminar rooms, a library, a computer center, a gym and a dining room. It is planned that the construction of facilities will begin in 2009, and a six-story dormitory with 300 beds will be built for students.
The main objective of Academic City is to create a main educational, scientific and research center in the region, which will provide students and students with access to the most advanced teaching aids and methods. Given previous experience, special attention in the town will be given to the possibilities of living and recreation. Housing construction is planned for students, teachers and staff, as well as sports facilities and shopping centers. It is expected that more than 30 foreign universities will be located on the territory of Academic City, and more than 40 thousand students from all over the world will study.
