Imagine yourself stepping into a world of innovation at the Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai. This is not just a university. It is a bridge connecting Dubai to global education.
RIT Dubai is a satellite campus of the renowned Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. It was established in 2008 in Dubai Silicon Oasis. The campus started small. It offered part-time graduate courses. By 2009, RIT Dubai expanded to full-time graduate programs. The first class graduated in 2010.
But here is a little secret. The graduation ceremony took place all the way in Rochester New York. A full-time undergraduate program began in 2010. RIT Dubai moved to a new campus in 2011. The new campus accommodated its growing student body.
Did you know that RIT Dubai is RIT’s third international campus? The others are in Croatia and Kosovo. The founding president was Mustafa A.G. Abushagur. He helped establish the campus. He negotiated between RIT and the UAE government. In 2013, Dr. Youssef Al Assaf became the new president.
In February 2019, construction began on a new RIT Dubai campus. This project cost 500 million AED. The first phase was planned for completion by Q1 2020. The entire project was scheduled to be done in 2023. The campus was planned to accommodate 4000 students.
Academically, RIT Dubai mirrors the New York campus. Students earn the same degree. All programs are approved by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education.
RIT Dubai offers Bachelor of Science degrees. These programs began in 2010. Majors include business, engineering, and computing. Engineering majors cover electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineering. There is even a 2+2 program in microelectronics. Students spend two years in Dubai and two in New York.
Graduate programs started in 2008. These programs support professional development. They also boost economic growth in the Gulf region. Master’s programs include service leadership, networking, and engineering management. RIT Dubai also has an English Language Center. It offers courses for professionals and students.
RIT Dubai degrees are internationally recognized. They are issued through RIT in New York. The university is licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. This is the regulatory authority in Dubai. Engineering programs are accredited by ABET.
Each year, RIT Dubai gives out two awards. One is the President’s Cup. It recognizes academic and leadership achievements. The other is the Valedictorian Award. It goes to the student with the highest GPA.
The campus provides many facilities. These include engineering labs, a bookstore, and a fitness center. There are sports facilities, a cafeteria and a library. The library has 3000 on-site volumes. Students can access over 125000 e-books from the New York campus. RIT Dubai provides accommodation and transportation for students.
RIT Dubai hosts events like the University Challenge. High school students compete in knowledge, engineering, and business. Winners can get a scholarship to RIT Dubai. Orientation days introduce new students to the university.
Student life is vibrant. The Student Government represents the student body. WRITERS magazine is a student-run publication. There is also a Sports Club and cultural clubs. These include the Palestinian Cultural Club and the Arab Orients Club.
RIT Dubai is located in Dubai Silicon Oasis. It is a technology park between Academic City and Mirdiff City Center. The university is 15 minutes from the Dubai International Airport. It is also 15 minutes from student housing.
RIT Dubai is more than just a campus. It is a place where students connect the world to Dubai.