University of Stirling RAK Unveils 3,000 Student Campus Expansion

Ras Al Khaimah is strengthening its credentials as a rising hub for international higher education. Planet One’s University of Stirling (RAK) has announced a major expansion that will see the institution move into a new state-of-the-art campus capable of accommodating approximately 3,000 students. The development, set to become operational in the first quarter of 2027, marks a significant step forward for the university and aligns closely with the UAE’s national ambition to build a knowledge-driven, future-ready economy.

The new campus, located in the centre of Ras Al Khaimah, will deliver expanded teaching spaces, modern academic facilities and specialised laboratories with a clear focus on artificial intelligence, data science, technology and other forward-looking disciplines. This investment reflects growing demand for programmes that equip graduates with skills relevant to the digital economy and emerging industries across the region and beyond.

Ownership and operation of the campus rest with Planet One Group, founded and owned by Sanjeev Mansotra. The university itself was launched in September 2018 through a partnership between Planet One International Education and the University of Stirling in Scotland. Degrees are awarded by the UK institution, which ranks among the top 500 universities globally in the QS World University Rankings. Its premier business programmes also hold the prestigious AACSB accreditation, underscoring the academic quality on offer.

To guide this next phase of growth, His Excellency Dr. Tayeb Kamali has been appointed Chairman of the Board. Dr. Kamali brings more than 35 years of leadership experience in higher education and the public sector in the UAE. He previously served as Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology and was part of its founding group. He also established the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research & Training (CERT) and currently holds the position of Director General for Education Training Development at the UAE Ministry of Interior. As the UAE’s first aeronautical engineer, he holds a doctorate in engineering from George Washington University and has received international recognition, including France’s Ordre des Palmes Académiques.

In his new role, Dr. Kamali will work with board members to shape the university’s long-term strategy, provide governance oversight, recommend academic programmes and strengthen connections with industry partners. Serving alongside him as Vice Chair is Mr. Sanjeev Mansotra, Founder and Chairman of Planet One Group, who will continue to play a central role in setting institutional policies and strategic direction.

Dr. Kamali welcomed the expansion, noting that Ras Al Khaimah continues to enhance its position as a destination for high-quality international education. “The expansion of Planet One’s University of Stirling (Ras Al Khaimah) Campus is part of that progress, creating greater access to internationally recognised education while increasing the focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, data science and technology,” he said. “I am proud to be part of the next chapter in the university’s story and to support its continued contribution to the next generation of talent and to the UAE’s long-term growth and competitiveness.”

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Sanjeev Mansotra highlighted the value of Dr. Kamali’s experience. “Dr. Kamali has played an important role in the development of higher education in the UAE, and his experience and perspective will be invaluable as we embark on this next phase of the University’s growth in Ras Al Khaimah,” he stated. “Our group has constantly strived to be one of the leading higher education players in the UAE and the new 3,000-student campus represents a major investment in the future of our education initiatives in the Emirate, giving us the capacity to grow our academic community, while investing in the facilities, programmes and future-focused skills that students increasingly need.”

The existing campus already attracts a diverse student body from across the GCC, India, the CIS region and several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Senegal. Students pursue programmes in natural sciences, technology, management, accounting and finance. To bridge classroom learning with practical application, the university maintains collaborations with technology leaders such as Amazon Web Services, Cisco, Oracle and MongoDB. The forthcoming campus will expand these opportunities through advanced specialist laboratories and greater capacity for technology-enabled teaching and learning.

Planet One Group itself operates as a diversified global business with interests spanning education, energy, agriculture, natural resources and infrastructure across more than 16 countries. Its education arm, Planet One International Education, focuses on higher education, technical and vocational training, skills development and education infrastructure, working with governments and partners to expand access to quality learning and support national development priorities.

The University of Stirling in Scotland, founded in 1967, currently educates more than 17,500 students from over 140 countries. It was recently named Scottish University of the Year and UK Sports University of the Year in the Daily Mail University Guide 2027, reflecting strengths in teaching, student experience and sporting excellence. The Ras Al Khaimah campus extends this reputation into the UAE, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that combine Scottish academic standards with local operational support from Planet One.

As the new campus takes shape, the University of Stirling RAK is positioning itself to meet rising regional demand for education that is both internationally recognised and closely aligned with the skills needs of a rapidly evolving economy. The emphasis on artificial intelligence, data science and technology, supported by experienced leadership and industry partnerships, signals a clear commitment to preparing students for the opportunities and challenges of the coming decade.