ACADEMIC ZONE UNIVERSITIES
As the majority of academic zones in the UAE become saturated, Ras Al Khaimah is positioning itself as a hub for universities looking to enter the Emirates.
Excellent institutions covering education, research, and innovation are engines of societal and economic transformation. Up until recently, some institutions came to RAK with a commercial approach, but with the creation of the Academic Zone, authorities are taking a harder look at the institutions that want to operate in RAK. This emphasis on quality control will benefit the entire education environment and the economic ecosystem of RAK and the UAE. Equally important, the programs offered should match the current and future needs of the local and regional economy. As institutions embrace the vision, the quality and profiles of the new graduates will be better suited to enable and support the local and regional economy. The government has a vision for economic transformation. To this end, programs are needed that promote innovation and help transform the economy, such as digitalization and artificial intelligence. In 10-20 years, the countries that are not digitally enabled will be in a position of serious competitive disadvantage. RAK can become a regional model in that sense.
The Academic Zone, which is part of RAKEZ, is a welcome addition to the current educational landscape. The education sector in the UAE was not heavily regulated as compared to western countries; however, since establishing our institution in 2008, we are delighted that the Academic Zone has implemented the strictest of guidelines which all institutions operating or seeking to operate have to comply with. The University of Bolton is the first British University to be licensed by the Academic Zone. In 2008, Ras Al Khaimah was a relatively unknown place for universities, but due to its beautiful landscape, affordability, and renowned universities, expatriates and locals are rushing in to avail the potential on offer. Students value our linkages with professional accreditation bodies, industry associations, and corporate affiliations that would help them secure well-heeled corporate positions. Due to the competitive nature of the job market, students prioritize workplace recognition and value-added learning opportunities that help set them apart from the competition.
Students in the UAE are more interested in a British education compared to other options. However, Brexit is making it harder to obtain student visas. Dubai is already home to plenty of brand campuses from around the world and Ras Al Khaimah is showing more opportunity for growth. Companies are hiring students from abroad; however, those studying in the UAE receive better job opportunities due to the exposure of the local area, language, and communication. When comparing job applications, companies give preference to local residents rather than expats. Students want to come to Ras Al Khaimah to continue their studies because it offers the same quality of education at a cheaper rate. At present, there is greater potential than before, which is why international universities are setting up campuses here. We expect Ras Al Khaimah to be the preferred destination as it offers lower costs of living as compared to other Emirates.
Education will continue to grow in RAK because the government is taking steps to organize an academic zone. In comparison to other Emirates, RAK does not want every higher education entity to come here and set up; it is selective and the government helps and supports institutions throughout the process. It is important to have a local partner that has strong relationships with high schools. The Dubai higher education landscape is a competitive space; at present, RAK offers greater potential for prospective institutions. The advantage of RAK is that an interested institution can directly communicate with the authorities. Such encouragement would be difficult to find in an Emirate like Dubai, which already has a number of large players. RAK offers a highly regulated environment that ensures healthy competition. We have no problem with other British universities in RAK because we believe in our uniquely structured programs. In addition, if we want to open further institutions, our established credentials will help us in the process.
ACADEMIC ZONE UNIVERSITIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
ndrea Di Gregorio, , Director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables , RAK Municipality Department
TBY talks to Andrea Di Gregorio, Director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables of the RAK Municipality Department, on the Emirate's overall strategy, specific programs, and early supporters of energy efficiency and renewables.
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Abdulrhman Al Shayeb Al Naqbi, Director General, Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED)
TBY talks to Abdulrhman Al Shayeb Al Naqbi, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED), on improving the ease of doing business, key diversification pillars, and the impact of new VAT.
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Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
TBY talks to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), on offering investors a global platform, creating a one-stop shop, and the strategic comparative advantages of access to the Indian Ocean.
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Manu Mehra, CFO, RAK Investment & Development Office (RAK IDO)
TBY talks to Manu Mehra, CFO of the RAK Investment & Development Office (RAK IDO), on the role of free zones in diversification, the benefits of smart state intervention, and the keys most needed for a strong manufacturing sector.
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Yousef Esmaeel, Chairman, Supreme Committee of Saud Bin Saqr Establishment for Youth Enterprises Development (RAK SME)
TBY talks to Yousef Esmaeel, Chairman of the Supreme Committee of Saud Bin Saqr Establishment for Youth Enterprises Development (RAK SME), on incentivizing young people, working with local government to encourage entrepreneurialism, and the role of SMEs in the UAE marketplace.
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Abdullah Al Abdooli, Managing Director, Al Marjan Island
TBY talks to Abdullah Al Abdooli, Managing Director of Al Marjan Island, on the continuous growth of the real estate market in RAK, its robust investment landscape, and the Emirate's ambitious plans to develop its tourism sector.
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Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, President , American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK)
TBY talks to Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, President of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), on the consequences of growing global demand for education and AURAK's efforts to attract students from beyond the Emirate.
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Gurumadhva Rao, Vice Chancellor, RAK Medical & Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU)
TBY talks to S. Gurumadhva Rao, Vice Chancellor of the RAK Medical & Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU), on the further development of higher education, its key differentiators, and the need for qualified doctors.
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Taner Topcu, Director, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone’s (RAKEZ) Academic Zone
Taner Topcu holds a bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Anadolu University in Turkey. He is an industry expert with more than 20 years of successful experience in education, hospitality, business development, and customer relations. Prior to joining RAKEZ in 2015, Taner worked at TECOM Investment's Education Cluster in Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City, where he worked in operations, business development, and account management. He also worked at Aabar Investments in Abu Dhabi as a Business Development Manager and at Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority as a Director of Engagement Operations.
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