Ruler of Sharjah attends opening of UoE's facility by Queen Elizabeth

Exeter - May 3, 2012 (WAM) - In the presence of H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, HM Queen Elizabeth II of Britain, escorted by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, yesterday officially opened the new Forum building at the University of Exeter. The Forum is the most ambitious and challenging project within the University of Exeter's capital development programme. It provides a stunning £48 million centrepieces for the Campus providing a new Student Services Centre, improved learning spaces and library, and retail and catering facilities. The inspirational mix of outside and inside space includes a new Student Services Centre, refurbished library, retail and catering outlets and technology-rich learning spaces. Sheikh Sultan is one of the key contributors to the new development. The official opening ceremony was attended by Abdulrahman Ghanem Almutaiwee, UAE Ambassador to the UK, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, First Secretary at UAE Embassy in UK, and a galaxy of British VIPs, dignitaries, chancellors of top UK universities, academicians, thinkers, as well as media personalities. The celebration of the flagship project was conducted amid fine atmosphere of appreciation and warm welcome to Sheikh Sultan who was greeted upon arrival at the campus by Honorary Chancellor of University of Exeter Baroness Floella Benjamin, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith, and deans of faculties and top administrators. Sheikh Sultan unveiled the memorial plaque which carried his name in recognition of his generous contribution to bring the Forum to life. In her welcome address, Honorary Chancellor of University of Exeter Baroness Floella Benjamin, the colossal development would have a far-reaching impact in realising the present and future ambitions of the university. She paid tribute to Sheikh Sultan for his tremendous role in establishing the project, one of key investments since 1960. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith said the building would be a source of inspiration and innovation not only for the present generation but for those to come in future. He said the University of Exeter is proud to have Sheikh Sultan within it and shares with him his vision on the power of science and education in changing people's lives. – Emirates News Agency, WAM