Construction of the first private university for women in Bahrain is on the fast track.
Nearly 50 per cent of the Royal University for Women (RUW) building has been completed, putting the project on target to open in the first quarter of next year, said university chairman Mohammed Al Zamil.
"The new RUW building is being developed as a comprehensive facility in line with the demands of a modern educational institute and will have a range of cutting-edge facilities and services, that will enhance the academic ambience to global standards," he said.
"Classrooms, conference rooms and laboratories will be fitted with modern equipment to provide our students an enabling atmosphere, to develop their skills and leadership qualities leading them to excel in the community they live in.
"The campus will also have a dedicated building for union activities, apart from a restaurant, gymnasium, swimming pool and hostel accommodation for 150 students."
The university is being built on a 60-acre campus in West Riffa. RUW, founded by Gulf Finance House, was conceived in 2002 to empower women through higher education and expand their areas of specialization.
The university has affiliations with the Faculties of Management and Education at McGill University, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and Middlesex University, UK, for design and computing courses.
Mr Al Zamil said students had already been accepted for the 2005 to 2006 academic year and classes were being held at a temporary location in Riffa.
"We will expand our activities once the new premises are ready," he said.
"As a first-of-its-kind university in the region, we will focus on creating dynamic personalities who would be assets to the community, contributing to the economy and society in general."
Gulf Daily News - Thursday, 8th December 2005
