4th Jan 2006

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today pledged support to the new initiatives and expansion programmes of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), which would include construction of a new state-of-the-art building complex for the RAK Women's College at a cost of AED 50 million.

Sheikh Saud expressed support to the educational initiatives of HCT at the meeting he had with Dr. Tayeb A Kamali, Vice Chancellor of HCT,
who called on him at the Al Dhait Palace here.

He said that the Government of Ras Al Khaimah attached prime importance to creating new avenues in the higher education sector. He added that the Government has launched a series of new initiatives in the sector including setting up of the University City and a medical college in the Emirate.

Sheikh Saud asked the HCT authorities to set up an online date base which would facilitate research and encourage more and more students to undertake research projects. He said that digitization of data and online delivery systems would provide students with easy and cheaper access to information.

Dr. Tayeb Kamali said that RAK Women's College would soon have a new AED 50 million state-of- the- art building complex complete with all modern educational facilities. "The construction of the new building would start next year and would be completed in 12 months", he said.

Dr. Kamali said that a separate fund of AED 12 million has been allocated for the up gradation of class rooms and learning facilities at the RAK Higher Colleges of Technology. He thanked Sheikh Saud for the continued support for enhancing higher education facilities for the people of Ras Al Khaimah.

Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman of RAK Civil Aviation Department, Dr. Ian W. Hall, Director of Ras Al Khaimah Colleges, and top HCT officials were present at the meeting.