Transformational gift to establish new innovative building
The University of Exeter has received a philanthropic pledge from His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah. The donation has been given to co-fund the construction of a new building on Exeter’s Streatham Campus, which will extend from the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies (IAIS) which His Highness has funded previously.
The University’s relationship with Sharjah has extended over four decades and includes teaching and research collaborations in the Humanities, Education and Science. His Highness Sheikh Sultan is the 18th Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah in a chain of Al Qasimi Rulers since 1600 AD. He has been at the forefront of the emirate’s cultural, economic and social development and played a significant role in promoting cultural interaction and dialogue among nations at local, regional and international levels. His Highness is an alumnus of the University of Exeter, graduating with a PhD in History (Distinction) in 1985.
The building will incorporate academics and students from across Exeter’s three faculties, with a particular research focus on the Middle East region and the Global South. The building will foster interdisciplinary studies related to climate and environmental management; peace, mediation and stabilisation; and health and wellbeing in the Arabian Gulf and beyond. It will also benefit from a design that will facilitate collaborative research and education and underpin Exeter’s engagement with institutions across Sharjah.
The Al Qasimi Building will also be a new focal point for Exeter’s student community. It will provide an inclusive space for all students to gather, interact and learn in a setting that celebrates diversity, interconnectivity and sustainability. Once all necessary permissions are granted – likely to be in 2024 – construction will start immediately with the building anticipated to open in 2027.
Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said:
‟I wish to extend my utmost gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Sultan. This extraordinary act of philanthropy is transformational for our students and our staff, and its scale and ambition form the centrepiece of our 2030 Strategy. It will help extend and deepen Exeter’s close relationship with Sharjah. Once constructed, the Al Qasimi Building will be one of the finest buildings to be found on any university campus, and I look forward to welcoming His Highness back to Exeter to open the facility”.
Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: