All KV varsities to move to DIAC

Dubai is on track to emerge as an education hub in the region once all private universities shift to the purpose-built Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), including those currently operating from Dubai Knowledge Village, according to the head of the body.

Speaking at an international research seminar on "business clusters" organised by the University of Wollongong in Dubai, Ibrahim Jamel, Director of Dubai Knowledge Village, said after all current universities move their campuses to DIAC, the Knowledge Village location will be used for training and HR services for the corporate sector.

Jamel said since the launch of Knowledge Village in 2003, Dubai has been able to attract some of the finest universities, carving a niche as an emerging centre for education and providing suitable choices for the region's students who would otherwise go overseas to pursue higher education.

"The vision of the Rulers of Dubai has created a cluster that is now being emulated by other countries in the region. With the development of the DIAC, we are on track to offer more diverse options for students from across the region," Jamel said.

The seminar featured more than 30 international academics from prestigious institutions of learning and business schools.

In another presentation on the "business cluster" concept, Jin Won Choi, Director of Strategy and Business Development at SmartCity Dubai – a joint venture between Tecom and Sama Dubai – said Dubai's success in creating successful "clusters" had enabled the emirate to replicate the concept in other countries.

SmartCity Dubai is currently building SmartCity Malta, a Mediterranean business hub for the European Union, and SmartCity Kochi, a 246-acre complex in the south Indian state of Kerala.

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