WATERLOO - The University of Waterloo, widely recognized for its experiential approach to learning, and key partners in the United Arab Emirates are this week opening an international campus in Dubai.

Waterloo has been working since earlier this year with the UAE's Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT) to establish Waterloo UAE. The programs will be offered under the co-op education system that has students alternating four-month work terms in the business world and academic terms on campus.

Classes began today for 22 students - eight in chemical engineering and 14 in civil engineering - at the HCT in Dubai, following a two-day orientation that ran Sunday and Monday. The students will spend the first two years in the UAE and will complete the final two years in Canada, acquiring work experience in both regions.

Waterloo professors will teach in the UAE. Students will benefit from the same quality of education in Dubai as do their counterparts in Waterloo.

Waterloo is initially offering programs in co-op chemical engineering and civil engineering at the Waterloo UAE campus. In subsequent years, programs will be offered in financial analysis and risk management, and information technology management.

"The University of Waterloo looks forward to building a high-quality presence with high-quality partners in the important Gulf region," said Leo Rothenburg, associate vice-president, international. "We are pleased to be working with the Higher Colleges of Technology as well as the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training in the United Arab Emirates. I would like to also thank His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan for his role in this exciting partnership."

UW's strategic plan for its sixth decade, http://www.sixthdecade.uwaterloo.ca/, calls for significant internationalization to ensure graduates are global citizens. Achieving that goal involves sending more students abroad, bringing more international students to campus and expanding UW's presence around the world. The plan specifically calls for the opening of two international campuses and the other will be in Nanjing, China.