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Academic city meals burn holes in students’ pockets
DUBAI - Several students studying in various colleges at the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), which is situated in a remote corner of the emirate, say that the food at the educational free zone is burning a hole in their pockets.
- PUBLISHED: Wed 28 Nov 2007, 8:53 AM UPDATED: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 4:41 AM
- By:
- Preeti Kannan (Our staff reporter)
It is accentuated by the fact that these colleges are surrounded by vast expanses of sand and they have little choice but to depend on a handful of expensive food outlets, including a restaurant, a convenience store and a coffee shop that presently operate in the Academic City. About 20 institutes are situated in DIAC.
According to students from several colleges, the cost of a cup of coffee may vary from Dh13 to Dh15, while a bowl of spaghetti could cost as much as Dh26. This, students feel is a trifle expensive.
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A student from Mahe Manipal, Dubai campus, said, “We do not have a canteen in our college and cannot always afford to go to the restaurant at the campus as it is expensive. Earlier there was a confectionary that was quite affordable. However that closed and we now have little options.”
SP Jain Center of Management students noted that one of the challenges was also the timings of these outlets. “The restaurants close by 8 in the evening and are not open on Fridays. However, since some of us have scheduled classes till 10.30 PM and even on Fridays, it becomes difficult for us to find food. If there are restaurants, cafes, little eateries and take- away joints, it would be of great relief,” she said.
“During lunch breaks some of us who have cars drive up to petrol stations to pick up snacks as it is at least five to ten dirhams cheaper than what is available on the campus. It is not feasible for us to spend that kind of money daily at the college,” said a student from Heriot Watt University, Dubai campus.
Several of these colleges have also shifted this year from the Knowledge Village (KV) to DIAC and many feel that KV had several international food courts and quality food available at an inexpensive price.
Uma Prasad, Students Services Officer, Mahe Manipal, observed that it was particularly hard for students, who come from places like Ajman, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi as they had to leave home as early as 6 AM to reach college on time. ìIt becomes difficult to pack lunch so early and they stay in college for about eight hours. We do need a food court that fits the budget of college students,” she added.
Dr Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director of DIAC told Khaleej Times, “We are at the moment reviewing business proposals from several food companies that have expressed an interest in operating out of DIAC. We are following a rigorous screening process to ensure that eateries and retail outlets operating out of DIAC are both good quality and affordable to students.” He added that they were trying to expedite the selection and hopes to have a food court by April next year.