Heriot-Watt University Dubai (HWUD) has opened doors to a brand new campus at Dubai Knowledge Park. The dedicated campus is going to serve nearly 4,000 students – representing 105 nationalities from around the world – who have joined Heriot-Watt seeking research-informed, industry-focused British education of the highest standard in the UAE.

The new building occupies 218,000sqft, which are distributed over seven floors, with eight different types of teaching spaces that have been carefully designed to deliver a myriad of learning experiences.

Commenting on the move, Prof Ammar Kaka, Provost and Vice Principal at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, said: “I am extremely pleased to open doors to our new campus today. The development of this campus is a testament to our continued commitment towards offering world class education and enviable infrastructure to our students. Our new campus building has been designed keeping the future student experience in mind; we believe that the supportive environment will allow us to deliver inspiring  learning, increase academic success, cutting edge research and the holistic development of our students.”

Classrooms have been designed to be interactive. Rather than traditional lecture theatres, the new campus houses collaborative lecture theatres which offer booth-style seating to encourage small-group discussions and group challenges at appropriate points; pod rooms which are designed to offer group-based learning and the sharing of learning between teachers and peers via interconnected PCs and screens; and teaching and seminar rooms which have been designed as flexible spaces for a range of classroom learning and teaching activities.

The many laboratories and workshops cover automotive, chemical, civil, mechanical, electrical, energy, robotic and structural engineering, and offer facilities for students to learn through practical application as well as through formal timetabled classes. The campus has a psychology laboratory that supports psychological experimentation and a very large IT laboratory for computer scientists as well as others. Design studies are also supported with studios and a Design Hub catering to the current and future needs of those preparing for a career in fashion, architecture, and interior design. All spaces come furnished with modern technology and equipment.

The campus has an array of common areas where students have access to essential services and amenities, including a dedicated Student Council Hub; social learning spaces for independent and group study; an engaging library stocked with both physical books and online resources; and a Maths Gym for maths support, in addition to a central Student Services Centre for student administration. The building also features a multipurpose venue, aptly named the Town Hall, with a cafeteria and auditorium-style seating suitable for hosting Open Days, presentations, and other interactive events.