Jerusalem – February 27, 2025
Jerusalem witnessed a significant milestone on Thursday with the inauguration of the campus redevelopment project at Al-Quds University – Beit Hanina. The transformation, backed by a generous $395,000 investment from the Kingdom of Morocco, marks a major step in enhancing the university’s facilities and academic environment.
The ceremony brought together key figures to celebrate this vital initiative, reinforcing Morocco’s ongoing commitment to supporting Jerusalem’s educational institutions.
The project site underwent a comprehensive transformation of its outdoor spaces, spanning 1,830 square meters. The redevelopment centered on redesigning the university’s entrance and main gate, which was meticulously crafted in a Moroccan architectural style.
Additionally, the project introduced separate entryways for vehicles and pedestrians, enhancing accessibility and safety. A seating area and a small amphitheater were also constructed at the campus entrance, creating a welcoming and functional space for students and visitors.
The project also involved a revamp of the parking area, aimed at improving safety and optimizing traffic flow within the campus. Furthermore, the cafeteria area was redesigned and upgraded with shaded seating spaces, providing a comfortable and inviting environment for students.
Moreover, green spaces were developed as part of the initiative, incorporating a localized drip irrigation system to ensure efficient water usage and promote sustainability within the campus.
The project adopted a new layout that ensures smooth transitions between the different levels of the campus. It included the design of new stairways leading to the lower sports fields and the indoor auditorium building, as well as the installation of specialized facilities to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
On this occasion, Dr. Imad Al-Khatib, Executive Vice President of Al-Quds University, praised the Kingdom of Morocco’s steadfast commitment to supporting Jerusalem and its institutions under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI.
He also emphasized the strong and enduring partnership between BMAQ and Al-Quds University, highlighting BMAQ’s wide-ranging contributions, particularly its role in enhancing university infrastructure, improving the quality of educational facilities, and providing scholarships that directly benefit students.
He also commended the Agency’s support for research grants and study missions to Morocco, which create valuable academic and professional opportunities for both faculty members and students across various disciplines.
For his part, Dr. Echarkaoui, the director responsible for managing BMAQ , emphasized in his speech that the inauguration of the campus development project at Al-Quds University in Beit Hanina aligns with the high royal directives of HM King Mohammed VI to continue supporting Jerusalem and its social and economic institutions.
He highlighted that the Agency’s interventions in the education sector complement the efforts of other partners to enhance the educational environment in schools and universities, noting that the Agency plays an active role in supporting students by providing over 120 scholarships for Palestinian students across various disciplines and launching the annual summer school program, which benefits 4,000 children.
Additionally, he emphasized the Agency’s broader strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening educational infrastructure in Jerusalem, reinforcing its commitment to empowering students and fostering academic excellence.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a memorandum for the handover of the project to the university was signed in the presence of Dr. Mohamed Jamal Bouzidi, President of the Moroccan Association for Reconstruction Support in Palestine, the organization funding the project. The event was also attended by members of the university’s presidential council and deans of several faculties.
