King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, a controversial figure to some and a champion to others, has recently donated $10 billion for the endowment of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

The university, which is expected to be completed in 2009, will open its doors to students seeking a Masters and PhD degrees, particularly in science. The community campus will comprise a total of about 20, 000 people.

It will be the first higher learning institution allowing both men and women to study together, ignoring religious beliefs and long separatist traditions.

King Abdullah has been seen as one of the most relatively progressive monarchs in recent Saudi history. His effort is to put the Middle East on track to compete with Western states in science and technology.

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