The Arab Open University’s campus in Riyadh will be operational within a few months, according to a source at the Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND).

The source said that the campus is at a new location and is now nearing completion.

The $30 million world-class campus, in Hatteen district, west of King Abdullah Financial District, was opened in 2012. The AOU will usher in a new era for both Saudis and expatriates as they will be able to work while pursing university studies.

In a previous statement, the project manager said the campus would accommodate 9,000 students and occupy a total of 38,133 sq. meters of which 16,740 will be allotted to classroom buildings and 9,421 for supporting services and landscaping.

The AOU now has 28,460 students at its eight campuses in the Arab world. It has three branches in Saudi Arabia — in Riyadh, Jeddah and Madinah. Students of all ages as well as expatriates can study and pay very minimal fees.

According to AGFUND President Prince Talal bin Abdul Aziz, education is a catalyst for change which is the basis of sustainable development. AGFUND emphasizes the quality and spread of education in order to qualify, train and produce manpower according to modern life requirements. Therefore, AGFUND supports and finances education projects including early childhood ones, combats illiteracy and provides basic, general and higher education.

AGFUND proactively created a modern higher education institution called AOU. It provides a highly flexible education through the use of modern technology with the strategic partnership of the British Open University.