Heriot-Watt University Dubai has celebrated two decades of providing world-class British education in the UAE with the opening of its new James Watt building at Dubai Knowledge Park. Spread across 50,000 square feet, the state-of-the-art facility will serve over 1,500 students and strengthen the university’s mission to deliver academic excellence, research, and innovation.
Named after James Watt, the father of the Industrial Revolution and inspiration behind the university’s name, the building symbolises Heriot-Watt’s heritage of progress and impact.
Leadership Perspective on the New Campus Wing
Commenting on the milestone, Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, said:
“I am delighted to be moving to our new extended campus today. Since establishing our presence in the UAE in 2005, Heriot-Watt University Dubai has been committed to advancing academic excellence. This commitment was further strengthened with the launch of our purpose-built campus in 2021 and securing the prestigious Initial Programme Accreditation for all our programmes by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, showcasing our continued dedication to the region’s education sector.”
She added:
“The new building is yet another milestone in our endeavour to remain at the forefront of holistic student experience, research and innovation. We remain steadfast in our mission to nurture the next generation of leaders.”
Student-Centred Facilities and Learning Spaces
The James Watt building has been designed with a focus on student learning and wellbeing. Facilities include:
- A dedicated student hub and learning commons to support both academic and social engagement.
- Specialised areas such as an active learning room and a wellness room that promote intellectual growth and overall wellbeing.
- Interactive learning spaces, such as pod rooms with interconnected PCs, flexible seminar rooms, and a focus room for individual or small-group study.
- A purpose-built auditorium seating up to 200 attendees, ideal for lectures, workshops, and events.
Sustainability and Innovation in Education
Sustainability has been prioritised in the building’s design. Features include:
- 23 square metres of green walls.
- Sustainable furniture.
- Excellent public transport links to encourage eco-friendly commuting.
These innovations highlight Heriot-Watt Dubai’s commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable learning environment.
Two Decades of Academic Excellence in Dubai
For the past twenty years, Heriot-Watt University Dubai has played a pioneering role in shaping the UAE’s higher education landscape. Recognised for teaching quality, research output, student satisfaction, and graduate employability, the university continues to set high standards.
In early 2025, all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes were awarded Initial Programme Accreditation by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), reaffirming its reputation as a centre of excellence.
A Vision for the Future
The launch of the James Watt building reflects Heriot-Watt University Dubai’s dedication to delivering British-quality education while driving innovation, research, and student success in a global economy.
About Heriot-Watt University Dubai
As the first British university to set up a campus in Dubai in 2005, Heriot-Watt University Dubai established itself as a pioneer in the higher education market in the UAE. The University’s reputation for world-class teaching and practical, cutting-edge research, combined with its strong links to business and industry, has seen it attract a thriving population of undergraduate and postgraduate students over the last two decades.
It offers an extensive range of programmes, distributed across six academic schools. Heriot-Watt graduates are highly employable and sought after by the best organisations worldwide, seeing over 90% of alumni taking graduate-level jobs or further study within six months of graduation.
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