The world’s largest University for Women opened in Riyadh last month, promising to bring the best academics and educational tools to lift the standards of education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Located 25 kms east of the Saudi Capital, the SR 20 billion ($6.5 billion) Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman University has capacity to cater to more than 50,000 students, although the initial intake is much less.
Like all other public projects of Saudi Arabia, the University is futuristic in outlook with infrastructure facilities that would put to shame many of the projects of the First World countries.
With 1400 villas and massive hostel facilities to accommodate up to 12,000 students, its Campus is among the most sophisticated and well protected in the world. The campus buildings conform to Energy Saving Technology, using the Sun as the source of light.
It accounts for 40,000 square meters of solar panelling to provide 16% of power for campus heating and 18% for air-conditioning.
The Campus includes a 700-bed University Hospital, 15 Colleges, a Central library consisting of five million books and journals, a Conference Hall, laboratories and three research centres for Nanotechnology, Information Technology and Bioscience.
One of the most impressive aspects of the University is its transport system, the highlight of which is an elevated railway that will facilitate smooth flow of traffic round-the-clock inside the Campus.
In his inaugural address, Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud said the University represented the ambitious educational plan of the Kingdom.
“Princess Nora University is a symbol of women’s education and their participation in the building of this Nation,” he said.
University President Huda bint Mohammad Al Ameel said the Institution is a major symbol of gender equality and women’s education in Saudi Arabia.
Apart from being the pride of the Arab World, the Princess Nora University represents a major departure in the Kingdom’s outlook towards women.
Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman University
Some Facts
Total Student Capacity: 52,308
Total Staff: 2000
Academic Calendar: By Semesters
Eight Colleges, including College of Science, College of Computer & Information Sciences, College of Business and Administration, College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing, College of Physical Therapy, College of Kindergarten Education, College of Languages & Simultaneous Interpretation
Photo Caption: An aerial view of the Princess Nora University in Riyadh
