<p>BTW, George Mason University shut down had everything to do with the situation in the UAE. Ras AlKhaima emirate (RAK) simply ceased its support for the university, financial and otherwise. Not because RAK didn’t have the funds, it was because RAK decided to set up its own university- they figured why support a foreign university when we can use our money to establish our own? </p>
<p>As chaotic as it may sound, it’s not at all surprising. This is exactly my point, the way decisions are made in the UAE isn’t always logical, consistent, or fair- and this is the part you appear to have limited information about. You’re impressed with a new university that is transplanted in a wealthy, yet quite unpredicatble environment. True, money isn’t everything. This makes choosing NYUAD over Princeton, Harvard or any other good university, an interesting decision to say the least. </p>
<p>That being said, the generous support from the wealthiest emirate to NYUAD can stop any minute. The UAE’s own national university (oldest and largest) is in serious financial trouble. The new, top notch international management that was hired to transform the university with promises of substantial funds, is left scrambling for money. </p>
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<p>More about the George Mason story:
[George</a> Mason Uni to close RAK branch - The National Newspaper](<a href=“http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090226/NATIONAL/302411756/1040]George”>http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090226/NATIONAL/302411756/1040)</p>