RAK expands knowledge economy with opening of medical university

The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah announced its intent to further grow its knowledge economy as it launched its latest purpose built educational campus yesterday.

The new RAK Medical and Health Sciences University (RAK MHSU) building was inaugurated yesterday by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. "It gives me immense pleasure to open the gates of knowledge to one and all," Sheikh Saud, in his role as the university's Chancellor, told parents, students and dignitaries.

"We intend to make the UAE, and Ras Al Khaimah in particular, a preferred destination for higher education.

"It is only through such efforts that future generations will become more powerful and learned and benefit in the long run.

"Ras Al Khaimah has always been at the forefront of pioneering efforts that will help our great country become a truly knowledge-driven economy." The new building stands on land granted by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah and will house 300 students from 30 countries. It is accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and will offer clinical training and internship at two government hospitals following an agreement with the Ministry of Health.

The campus, located next to RAK Hospital, includes a library, lecture halls, clinical skills laboratories and multi-purpose laboratories in addition to a gym and other student facilities. The university has 70 full-time faculty and is made up of four constituent colleges – RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK College of Dental Sciences, RAK College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and RAK College of Nursing.

RAK MHSU was established in 2006 by the RAK Human Development Foundation and partners Syed M Salahuddin, Managing Director of ETA Ascon Star Group, and Essa Al Ghurair, Director of Al Ghurair Investments.

Salahuddin said: "ETA Ascon Star Group shares the vision of Sheikh Saud and that was primarily the reason we became a partner in this wonderful endeavour. We would like to see this university create success at the regional and international levels.

"In line with Sheikh Saud's vision, RAK MHSU is talking to different international universities with a view to establishing collaborations. These include the universities of Cairo and Sydney. We are also in talks with several Indian institutions."

Vice-Chancellor Dr S Gurumadva Rao said: "RAK MHSU is in the process of fulfilling regional requirements for high quality medical and health science education that will help the university add postgraduate degrees and other faculties.

As part of the learning strategy, students will be given opportunities to participate in different learning sessions, such as problem-based learning, small group discussions and case-based learning, in addition to seminars and didactics lectures.

Clinical training will take place at Sheikh Saqr Hospital and Obaidullah Hospital and at a number of primary health care centres.

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