Sharjah Ruler approves AUS projects
New projects part of American University of Sharjah’s plan to meet increasing demand
Sheikh Dr Sultan has approved the construction of new development projects for AUS, effective immediately.
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HH Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Supreme Council Member, has approved the immediate start of several American University of Sharjah development projects, it was announced on Tuesday.
The new projects are part of the university’s plan to meet increasing demand and enhance student life experience on campus. In addition, campus facilities will also be developed in line with standards adhered to by major international universities. This includes the installation of facilities for students with disabilities.
The decision comes after HH Sheikh Dr Sultan, who is also the president of the university, visited the campus to inspect facilities.
“In a meeting held today in his office at the AUS main building, Sheikh Sultan inspected artist impressions of these projects, listened to descriptions of the projects by university officials and gave his instructions and comments on them,” said AUS chancellor, Dr Peter Heath.
“Sheikh Sultan was particularly happy with the fact that we’re modernising our student facilities,” he added. “His Highness has approved these additional facilities to meet the demands of the growing student numbers and to provide them with the best possible facilities.”
The projects include four multi-storey car parks, which will provide an additional 1000 spaces on campus. These will surround the academic campus and will provide disabled access.
Furthermore, a new women’s dormitory building will be built, with capacity for over 170 students, said Chancellor Heath.
“This new facility will be based on a sustainable, efficient, green design, which will be comparable in internal architecture to, and in some cases surpassing, similar buildings present on some of the best university campus around the world,” he added.
Designed in accordance with the International Building Code and the American Disabilities Act Guidelines, the woman’s dormitory has been designed to maximise operational cost efficiency over its life cycle, compared to standard dorms in the region.
“When completed, this dormitory building will be one of the leading dormitories in the region, using advanced built in technologies and with facilities for people with disabilities,” he said.
The approved projects also include the construction of a sports pavilion that will provide shaded seating for more than 700 spectators. Located adjacent to the university’s main football pitch, the pavilion will have a six lane Olympic running track and all the necessary facilities for sports teams and administrators.
The university has always placed great emphasis on the providing a holistic experience for its entire campus community and these projects are in tandem with its vision and mission, Chancellor Heath added.
