Saudi Arabia opened its first co-educational university on Wednesday, a high-tech campus with massive funds. The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has attracted more than 70 professors and 800 students from abroad. The opening of this important project comes as the kingdom marks its 79th National Day.

According to Reuters, King Abdullah was due to inaugurate late on Wednesday the university 80 kilometres north of Jeddah in the presence of regional leaders, Western officials and Nobel laureates.

One of the main goals of KAUST, where staff will drive around campus in electric cars, is to produce Saudi scientists.

Located next to the Red Sea village of Thuwal, the 36-square mile campus has lured scientists from abroad. Unlike in Saudi universities, male and women students can attend classes together and mix in cafes.

© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)