UMM AL QUWAIN – In a significant development for higher education in the region, Cromwell UK University College has officially commenced construction of Buckinghamshire New University’s (BNU) campus within the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ). The groundbreaking ceremony, held on December 3, 2025, represents a pivotal moment in bringing British higher education directly to the Northern Emirates.
The ceremony was presided over by key figures including Professor Sarah Williams, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, and Nisar Muhammed, CEO of Cromwell UK University College, which serves as the academic infrastructure provider for BNU. Senior management from UAQ Free Trade Zone, including General Manager Johnson George, attended the event, underscoring the strategic importance of this partnership.
Professor Williams emphasized the longstanding academic relationship between the institutions, characterizing the UAE campus development as “an exciting and accelerated phase of our academic partnership.” She noted that Cromwell has consistently proven to be “a long-standing and reputable partner of BNU” in previous collaborations.
The new campus will function as an extension of the UK-based university, with Cromwell ensuring identical academic standards, curriculum structure, and quality benchmarks are maintained. This academic alignment guarantees that UAE students will receive education equivalent to that offered at BNU’s UK campuses.
Johnson George articulated UAQFTZ’s strategic vision, stating: “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to developing a dynamic ecosystem that offers world-class opportunities for the community. It reflects our competitive strength: the ability to facilitate all requirements with unmatched speed and seamless efficiency, turning business vision into reality.”
Nisar Muhammed described the project as transcending physical infrastructure, calling it “the beginning of a shared vision to build a better future through quality education.” He emphasized the critical role of structured guidance and mentorship in ensuring student success within the new academic environment.
Upon completion, the campus will provide students across the Northern Emirates access to internationally recognized UK degrees without requiring overseas travel, significantly expanding local access to globally benchmarked higher education and supporting the region’s development as an education hub.