An artist impression of the Markaz Knowledge City.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

UAE-based Indian expatriates as well as members of the international community looking for world-class education in a secure environment at affordable prices have got reason to rejoice as India’s first knowledge city developed in the south Indian state of Kerala is opening its doors soon.

India’s iconic Markaz Knowledge City will become fully functional by the end of this year. The education-focused integrated infra-development project also includes futuristic township that will meet cultural and educational needs. It will also act as a knowledge hub.

Addressing a press conference in Dubai on Sunday, Dr Muhammed Abdul Hakkim Azhari, Managing Director of Markaz Knowledge City, said that the grand opening of the city will be held in March 2020 along with the launching of the biggest cultural centre in India.

“The first-of-its-kind knowledge city project will facilitate a paradigm shift in the interest of tourists and investors from around the world. The city will witness the emergence of a large community of scientists, research professionals and entrepreneurs with high ethical values,” he said.

Dr Abdul Salam Mohammed, CEO of Markaz Knowledge City and former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist, said, “Envisioned for academic excellence, Markaz Knowledge City is expected to emerge as a significant integrated township. The establishment is aimed at promoting global quality education, research, heritage, business, technology, innovation, healthcare and lifestyle. The city will also act as a centre for the exchange of values of humanity, culture, happiness, tolerance, sustainability and environmental protection.”

The city’s key educational project, Alif Global School, set up with a global curriculum driven by the latest edu-tech systems and innovative tools, will open in June 2019. Focused on value-based academic excellence, Alif is set to be one of the best schools in the nation.

The education-centric, multi-purpose city will set up another international school, colleges for engineering, medical, centre of excellence for innovation, business, law and humanities, in addition to a multi-specialty hospital, Arabian Heritage Souk, star hotel, international exhibition centre and a gated residential community.

The city will also house an advanced research centre in multiple fields and facilitate farming, spanning over 100,000 square metres to cultivate organic products such as fruits, vegetable and medicinal plants.

The city also lines-up a school of pharmaceutical science, school of management studies, and school of designing. In line with the latest trends in technology, the Centre of Excellence at the city will facilitate research, development and education in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Blockchain, Augmented Realty (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in its campus.

Markaz Unani Medical College, a first in Kerala, started functioning at the knowledge city in 2014, followed by Markaz Law College in 2015, a post-graduate studies centre for commerce, Ideal School of Leadership, College of Islamic Sciences, Malabar Foundation for Research and Development, and Queensland Women’s College.

Tigris Valley Wellness Centre by Imtibish Healthcare offers a holistic approach combining Unani, Ayurveda, Sidha, and naturopathy treatments. Tigris Valley provides global standard facilities for wellness, fitness and meditation with services including physiotherapy, neuro rehabilitation, holistic regimental therapy, purity therapy, gymnasiums, recreational amenities and jogging tracks along with premium room facilities. The world-class health resort will be inaugurated in July 2019.

The Cultural Centre being developed with appealing aesthetic components and an Arabian Heritage Souk, will catapult Kerala to the global cultural map. The souk will house more than 150 retail trading outlets in 50 different product categories. The Centre will also feature a Spiritual Enclave, International Library, Research Centre, Heritage Museum, Auditorium and Performance Theatre. The Cultural Centre will open for public in March 2020.

The Markaz Knowledge City is essentially intended as a sustainable development on a long-term basis, which can evolve over a period of time and in a phased manner to become one of the finest learning centers across the world.