Student housing community to open by 2020
dubai — The emirate’s first fully integrated, purpose-built student housing community in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) will be complete by 2020. However, the urban styled student community will cost anything from Dh16,000 to Dh30,000 per semester.
The Myriad Dubai will provide over 1,820 multi-sized, fully-furnished rooms in seven buildings within walking distance from major universities in Dubai, announced officials on Monday. There will be no dorms and students will be provided private accommodation. The Myriad is open for undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students.
With construction expected to commence shortly, officials stated that The Myriad would be the largest purpose-built, professionally managed student housing property in the UAE on a single plot. Speaking to the media on Monday, Mohammad Abdullah, managing director of Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City, announced the project and provided details of an array of services to be made available on-site.
He said: “Student accommodation is a critical factor for these students, given that it will be their home for the next three to four years.”
We can’t confirm yet if students are going to be able to work with the third-party vendors and shopping outlets.” Vikram Rao, Strategic Housing Group CEO
Key features
The 1,820 multi-sized, 58,000 sqft fully-furnished rooms will include en-suite bathrooms, WiFi and access to kitchens and common lounges on each floor. “There will be several types of accommodation including a large room of 19sqm and a standard room of 15sqm. The prices will differ depending on the size of the rooms,” stated Strategic Housing Group CEO Vikram Rao.
“If students wish to continue staying for a third summer semester, or just keeping their belongings behind, they will be offered rooms at subsidised rates,” he stressed. Furthermore, officials said the community would be gender segregated. “There are separate rooms for male and female students, and there will be top-of-the-line security systems in place assuring their safety at all times,” added Rao.
Other facilities include a designated study lounge area, sports facilities including a gym, swimming pools, squash court, basketball and an outdoor jogging track. “Additionally, restaurants, cafes, gaming rooms, an outdoor amphitheatre and convenience shopping options along with dedicated parking will form integral parts of the development and offer students a holistic, communal living experience,” explained Rao. Officials also confirmed that students could apply and work parttime jobs and internships in the Barsha Heights location and nearby businesses. Rao added: “We can’t confirm yet if students are going to be able to work with the third-party vendors and shopping outlets… That is yet to be looked into.”
Formulated by the regulatory requirements set by the authorities in Dubai and in coordination with universities, this student work initiative will help develop the work experience of both local and international students.