SHARJAH // Latifa Al Katbi dreaded the commute to university in Sharjah. The 40-minute journey by car to University City meant sharing the road with speeding cars and heavy lorries.
So the opening of a Sharjah University campus in her hometown, Al Dhaid, was a welcome relief for the 18-year-old Emirati. “Other universities are far away from home, and the road is full of lorries. Al Dhaid campus keeps female students close to home, instead of commuting the dangerous truck road to reach university,” the social studies student said.
Fellow student Mohammed Al Katbi agreed and said the new campus was convenient for students in the central region.
“It’s right in the middle of Sharjah. Students from the east coast can come and study here, as well as from the city,” said the 19-year-old business administration student.
Al Dhaid, the capital of the central region of Sharjah, about 55 kilometres from the emirate’s main city, is predominately Emirati. Although development programmes are ongoing, many people travel to Sharjah city or Fujairah for studies and work.
The campus, built at a cost of Dh60 million, was opened by Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.
It has 18 classrooms, four lecture rooms and 12 laboratories. Its construction took a year to complete, said Saif Al Suwaidi, director of Sharjah Public Works Department.
Dr Sheikh Sultan said the campus kept students from the dangers and troubles of commuting to the city, and said he looked forward to increasing student numbers in the near future.
The students also said speed limits should be strictly enforced on roads leading to the campus to ensure the safety of students and faculty members.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
