Dubai Academic City (DAC), was established after the successful development of
Knowledge Village (DKV / KV) near Dubai Internet City, with the official launch in May 2006. The intention is for Academic City to be a base for schools, colleges and universities, while Knowledge Village will house training institutes and educational service organisations. Total area of DAC is expected to cover 129 million sq ft and the development is scheduled to be completed by 2012.
- Knowledge Village (rather than Knowlege City / Knowledge Park) is near Dubai Marina, between Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Internet City in the Al Sufouh area of Dubai.
- Dubai Academic City (rather than Dubai Academic Village or Town, or Academic Park) is in Al Ruwayyah / Ruwaya off the the Dubai-Al Ain Rd. The exit is signposted as you're heading to Al Ain, if you see a large submarine shaped building on your left then you've missed it.
Dubai International Academic City
Just to confuse you, there is Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) contained within DAC. DIAC is the free zone for tertiary institutes. However, primary, secondary and K-12 schools are part of DAC but not DIAC. Or something like that. Executive Director of DIAC is Dr Ayoub Kazim (and also of KV). By 2015, DIAC expects to have almost 40,000 students attending 40 different institutes. DIAC facilities include
- Food outlet area with 10 stores
- Rixama Student Accommodation (under development?)
- Dubai International Academic City Phase I and II consists of Blocks 1-8?
- Dubai International Academic City Phase III consists of Blocks 9-12?
Dubai International Academic City International Student Identity Card (DIAC ISIC)
- The DIAC International Student Identity Card (ISIC) announced on 12 September 2009, will be co-branded with the Jawaz lifestyle card - a partnership with DIAC and the ISIC Association.
- ISIC Association (ISICA?) is a member of the World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation (WYSETC).
- ISIC card is recognised by educational institutions and government bodies worldwide.
- The card enables students to obtain travel discounts on trains, airlines, and in accommodation.
- Full-time students at Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) also eligible for the ISIC card.
- JAWAZ-ISIC card will include access to student recreation and accommodation at DIAC.
