RIT Dubai Expands Campus with AED313M Investment at DSO

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai invests in education to prepare future leaders and boost global reputation as a knowledge hub.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has approved a major expansion project for the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai campus. This project, located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, is worth more than AED 313 million and will add new educational buildings and modern facilities to the university.

Once completed, the total cost spent on RIT Dubai’s campus will go beyond AED 520 million since it was first set up. The expansion will increase the university’s size by 217%, reaching a total area of 124,000 square meters. It will also increase the number of students the campus can welcome — from 2,100 to around 4,500 — a growth of 115%.

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The project includes building nine new buildings for academics and administration. It will also have new student and faculty services, such as an upgraded parking structure. The work will be done in two stages: the first phase will be ready by the first quarter of 2027, and the full expansion will be complete by the third quarter of 2028.

Supporting Dubai’s Education Vision

His Highness said that this investment shows how serious Dubai is about education. “Universities are the foundation of a knowledge-based economy,” he explained. He believes that by growing RIT Dubai inside Dubai Silicon Oasis, the city is creating an environment that attracts smart people and prepares students for the future. This also helps Dubai become one of the top three global urban economies by 2033.

The expansion is in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to improve quality of life and support sustainable development. It also supports Dubai’s goal of becoming a major global city focused on education, research, and innovation.

Dubai Silicon Oasis: A Hub for Innovation

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said the expansion is an important step in making Dubai Silicon Oasis a top place for learning and innovation. He added that Dubai is turning its universities into creative and free economic zones, helping them build advanced research programs that match the fast changes in the global digital economy.

Students will benefit from smart classrooms, modern research labs, and a strong focus on science and technology. This environment will help prepare young people for careers in important industries.

Focus on the Digital Economy

Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, said that the expansion will help provide skilled workers for the fast-growing digital economy. Since it started in 2008, RIT Dubai has played a key role in education across the GCC and Middle East. The university offers updated programs that match global trends in science and innovation.

New programs will be introduced in areas like data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and environmental sustainability. These courses will train students to tackle future challenges and take part in building a smarter and more advanced region.

What’s in the Expansion?

The project will be done in two phases:

• First Phase: Two academic buildings for the Departments of Science & Arts and Business Administration. Two administrative buildings, a student center, a dining hall, and a larger parking area (150% more parking spaces).

• Second Phase: A building for Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, new science labs, innovation and research centers, sports facilities, and a library.

New Centers for Learning and Development

As part of this project, RIT Dubai will launch five special research centers. These will support students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, helping to shape future leaders. These centers are:

1. Energy and Sustainability Center

2. Smart Cities Center

3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center

4. Modern Manufacturing and Materials Processing Center

5. Center for Empowering People of Determination

The manufacturing center will help boost the UAE’s economy, while the center for people of determination will provide training and support for inclusion in society. The entrepreneurship center will help students start their own businesses and bring creative ideas to life.

Better Learning Experience and Global Opportunities

With this expansion, RIT Dubai will almost double its student capacity to around 4,500 by 2028. The campus will continue to offer high-quality education in areas like engineering, business, IT, psychology, and soon, digital media design. Students also have the chance to study at RIT’s main campus in New York or other international branches, gaining valuable global experience.

Preparing Students for the Future

RIT Dubai already has high-tech labs focused on AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and smart energy. The university will continue to offer programs that help students become ready for jobs of the future. Its goal is to stay in step with Dubai’s dream of becoming a world leader in technology and knowledge.

This new expansion shows that Dubai is serious about building a bright future — one powered by knowledge, innovation, and the talent of young people.