Released on: March 12, 2008, 10:58 pm

Press Release Author: Brand-Comm

Industry: Education

Press Release Summary: Manipal University, formerly known as MAHE, a pioneer in the
field of education with campuses in India and key international locations, today
announced that it would be significantly enhancing its Dubai operations with the
formal launch of its highly acclaimed engineering programs and the planned launch of
an exclusive dedicated campus. The varsity known for its strong industry connect and
research orientation aims at contributing significantly towards re-defining the
higher education landscape of Dubai and the UAE by providing qualified professionals
across various fields including media & communications, bio-technology &
bio-informatics, fashion and interior design, and now engineering, amongst others,.


Press Release Body: Manipal University, formerly known as MAHE, a pioneer in the
field of education with campuses in India and key international locations, today
announced that it would be significantly enhancing its Dubai operations with the
formal launch of its highly acclaimed engineering programs and the planned launch of
an exclusive dedicated campus. The varsity known for its strong industry connect and
research orientation aims at contributing significantly towards re-defining the
higher education landscape of Dubai and the UAE by providing qualified professionals
across various fields including media & communications, bio-technology &
bio-informatics, fashion and interior design, and now engineering, amongst others,.

Commenting on Manipal University's vision for its Dubai operations, Mr. Anand
Sudarshan, MD & CEO, Manipal Education said, "As rightfully pointed out, in the
past, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice
President of UAE and the ruler of Dubai, that education holds our hope for the
future and is a key driver in sustaining UAE's all round growth. It has been our
endeavour to offer high quality education to young minds and help them in achieving
overall growth." With the vast experience of over 50 years in India besides other
international locations, Manipal University's Dubai Campus aims to help realise this
vision by creating the necessary educational and knowledge infrastructure which not
just makes high quality education more accessible to all in the Emirates but also
significantly contributes to the grooming of dynamic leaders necessary for its
growth.

Manipal University, today coordinated a special event in Dubai where International
cricket star, Indian test cricket team captain, a qualified engineer himself and
Brand Ambassador for Manipal Education Group, Anil Kumble awarded provisional
admission certificates to the first five students of the varsity's newly launched
engineering programs. Also, present at the occasion were Dr. Ayoub M. A. Kazim,
Executive Director - Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), Mr Anand Sudarshan,
MD&CEO Manipal Education, Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor - Manipal University and Dr.
B. Ramjee, Director - Manipal University (Dubai Campus),

Emphasizing the importance of education, Mr. Anil Kumble said, "In today's
competitive world there is no substitute to sound education. One may choose to excel
in diverse fields, but a solid educational background will always give one the
confidence and an edge over others. Manipal University has taken over this task of
spreading quality education in every nook and corner of this world and has helped in
nurturing and grooming young minds, tremendously contributing to their overall
growth.

"Furthermore, being an engineer myself it gives me immense pleasure to be given the
privilege to formally launch a top ranked Indian University's engineering Programs
in Dubai," Mr. Kumble added.

Dr Ayoub M. A. Kazim, Executive Director - Dubai International Academic City said,
"We are pleased to witness the launch of Engineering programs for the coming
academic year by Manipal University, one of our key business partners in Dubai
International Academic City. I believe the programs will significantly contribute in
building and developing human capital that will serve local and regional industries.
In addition, our presence today demonstrates our firm commitment to support our
business partner to achieve their academic objectives in Dubai."

His Excellency Venu Rajamony, Consulate General of India, Dubai, U.A.E. added,
"Manipal University's vision and emerging global presence coupled with dedicated
faculty has made it a unique academic institution with an enviable track record. I
felicitate Manipal University on instituting a full fledged department of
Engineering at Dubai International Academic City. I am confident that this adds yet
another dimension to its noble undertaking of educating youth globally and shaping
the leaders and builders of tomorrow".

Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor - Manipal University said, "The engineering programs
at Dubai would vastly benefit from the experience of Manipal Institute of Technology
(MIT), a premier institute under the aegis of Manipal University. MIT has been
consistently ranked among the top 10 engineering colleges in India. The areas of
mutual collaboration include curriculum and the expertise of prominent faculty."

Manipal University's Dubai campus started its operations way back in the year 2000.
After witnessing exponential growth the campus shifted to Knowledge Village in the
year 2003 and in 2006 to its present modern and sprawling campus in Dubai
International Academic City. The Dubai Campus currently has 1600 students and offers
undergraduate and graduate programs in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Allied Health
Sciences, Information Systems & Management, Media & Communications, Fashion Design
and Interior Design.

Elaborating on the newly launched engineering programs Dr. B. Ramjee, Director -
Manipal University (Dubai Campus), said, "Over the past few years we have seen
tremendous growth and response to all our programs in Dubai. With growth in
information technology, manufacturing and construction industry in Dubai, there is a
significant surge in demand for qualified engineers. There is a definite need to
focus on building local talent to fulfil these requirements; the creation of such a
strong local talent pool would tremendously benefit the industry. Having identified
this need and given our vast experience in this field, introduction of the
engineering programs, at our Dubai Campus, is a natural extension of our Middle East
focus and strategy."

The engineering programs slated to commence this academic year at Manipal
University's Dubai Campus are:

B E in Mechatronics Engineering
BE in Instrumentation & Control Engineering
BE in Civil Engineering
BE in Mechanical Engineering
BE in Electronics & Communication Engineering


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