Hopkins Architects designing University of Birmingham expanded Dubai campus
Located within DIAC, the campus is set to open in September 2021
The University of Birmingham has signed an agreement to build the second phase of its campus in Dubai which will provide an academic home for up to 2,900 students.
Sir David Eastwood, the university’s principal and vice-chancellor, and Malek Al Malek, CEO of TECOM Group signed the agreement, which will see the new purpose-built campus at the Dubai International Academic City.
The 50,000 sqm campus is being designed by Hopkins Architects, and will have flexible learning spaces and formal teaching spaces ensuring that teaching and research can work in tandem to benefit student, University of Birmingham reported. It also said that there will be a student hub, and sheltered courtyards and social spaces to provide a relaxing environment and enhance campus sustainability. Other amenities include a 300-scaeat lecture theatre, a similarly-sized auditorium and three laboratories accommodating 200 students, as well as seminar and tutorial rooms.
University of Birmingham Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council Dr Ed Smith CBE commented: “This is a truly exciting milestone for the University of Birmingham. From the outset, Council members have wholeheartedly supported this visionary project to build a campus in Dubai. I would like to thank Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), TECOM Group, DIAC and all our partners in the region for their generous support in helping us reach this landmark day.”
“We welcomed our first students to the University of Birmingham Dubai in September and, just five months later, we have begun the next exciting stage of our contribution to UAE society,” added Professor Sir David Eastwood. “This innovative and iconic facility has been designed to echo our beautiful and historic Edgbaston campus, whilst providing a flexible, modern setting for our students in Dubai to obtain maximum benefit from our teaching and research expertise.”
Mohammad Abdullah, managing director of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, said: “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with the University of Birmingham. The establishment of the University of Birmingham at DIAC represents an important step towards a long-term relationship that will enhance educational experiences for local and transnational students alike.”
Birmingham was the first global top 100 and UK Russell Group university to establish a campus in Dubai.
