With a year still to go before their new institution opens its doors for business, education planners in Saudi Arabia already have reason to offer a non-alcoholic toast to their success in laying the foundations for what is destined to be among the world's richest universities. But the cultural setting of the media-shy new university still poses unresolved questions. Saudi Arabia remains one of the world's most rigid societies, a status reflected by the strict interpretation of Islam under which its 28 million inhabitants must live and learn. Nevertheless, the kingdom is confident it can attract western academics by offering them the kinds of laboratory facilities and grants they cannot find at home. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/jul/22/highereducation.internationaleducationnews

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