Creating Higher Education - KAUST, The $10 Billion Saudi University (VIDEO)

In September 2009, doors will open to the soon-to-be-famous King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST).

Over the last year, the 9,000 acre KAUST campas has been in a construction phase.  The world class facility, near Mecca, made headlines when it was announced that it will open with a $10 billion endowement.  Also groundbreaking, the Saudi university will catering to both male and female students.

The Kaust media kit decribes, “KAUST’s core campus, located on the Red Sea at Thuwal, will sit on more than 36 million square meters, encompassing a marine sanctuary and research facility around a unique coral reef ecosystem. The campus and surrounding community will incorporate a distinctive blend of traditional regional architecture and modern styles and amenities.”

In September 2009, the university will open its doors to roughly 300 Masters and Ph.D students.  Once fully operational, the community will be home to nearly 20,000 people.

To facilitate its entry into the world of higher learning, KAUST has partnership with the University of Texas at Austin, the University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University.  The partnerships were lined up as part of a deal whereby KAUST will fund each of the three universities with an lovely sum of roughly $25 million.

Key features include:
• World-class research labs and facilities
• Seaside town with a wide variety of shops, apartments, single-family homes
• Parks, playgrounds, schools for children; golf course, yacht club, marina for adults
• Minimal environmental footprint