Saudi Arabia took a step ahead Wednesday as it inaugurated its first-ever fully integrated coed university. Furthermore, its ruler announced that the institution will be a "beacon of tolerance" in a world attacked by extremists.
The students, who would study in the multibillion dollar King Abdullah Science and Technology University, or KAUST, will benefit from its state-of-the-art labs, the world's
14th fastest supercomputer and one of the biggest endowments worldwide. Since KAUST is co-educational, it breaks many of the conservative country's social taboos, thus permitting men and women to take classes together for the first time.
With this postgraduate institution, which is not less than a milestone for Saudi, the officials feel that the kingdom could be created into a global scientific hub.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place outside the coastal city of Jeddah, where the university is located, was attended by Saudi royals and dignitaries.
King Abdullah said at the inauguration: “Humanity has been the target of vicious attacks from extremists, who speak the language of hatred. Undoubtedly, scientific centers that embrace all peoples are the first line of defense against extremists. And today this university will become a house of wisdom ... a beacon of tolerance.”
Oil Minister Ali Naimi said that with the opening of this university, the oil-rich kingdom will also be able to bolster its economic base.
Naimi said in remarks carried by state media, “With all the natural resources that God has endowed us, the kingdom is keen to diversify its sources of income for the future.”
As of now, the university has admitted 817 students representing 61 different countries; and out of these, 314 will start taking their classes this month. Meanwhile, the remaining classes will start in the beginning of 2010.
The university aims at increasing its strength to 2,000 students within 8 to 10 years.
The students would also be able to avail full scholarships covering their tuition fees plus a stipend, via the university's financial backing.
