The Top 10 Lists

10. Peking University

Peking University (traditional Chinese: 北京大學; simplified Chinese: 北京大学; pinyin: Běijīng Dàxué), colloquially known in Chinese as Beida (北大, Běidà), is a major research university located in Beijing, China. It is the first formally established modern research university, and the first national university of China. It was founded as Imperial Capital University in 1898 as a replacement of the ancient Guozijian (國子監 guózǐjiàn). By 1920 it had become a center for progressive thought. Today, most national and international rankings frequently place Peking University as one of the best universities in China. In addition to its academics, Peking University is especially renowned for the beauty of its traditional Chinese architecture at its campus grounds.

Throughout its history, the university has distinguished itself from its peers in terms of intellectual freedom and has produced and hosted many of modern China's top thinkers, including Lu Xun, Mao Zedong, Hu Shih, Li Dazhao, Gu Hongming, and Chen Duxiu. The Peking University was among the birth places for China's New Culture Movement, May Fourth Movement, the Tiananmen Square protest of 1989 and many other significant events.

9. National University of Singapore

The National University of Singapore (Abbreviation: NUS; simplified Chinese: 新加坡国立大学; pinyin: Xīnjiāpō Guólì Dàxué; Abbreviated 国大; Malay: Universiti Kebangsaan Singapura; Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர் தேசியப் பல்கலைக்கழகம்) is Singapore's oldest university. It is the largest university in the country in terms of student enrollment and curriculum offered.

The university's main campus is located in southwest Singapore at Kent Ridge, with an area of approximately 1.5 km² (0.6 square miles). The Bukit Timah campus houses its law faculty, while the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore is located at Outram campus.

The former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has recently named NUS as the headquarters of his Asian Faith and Globalization Initiative together with Durham University in the UK and Yale University in the USA to deliver an exclusive programme in partnership with Tony Blair Faith Foundation.

8. Tokyo Institute of Technology

Tokyo Institute of Technology (東京工業大学, Tōkyō Kōgyō Daigaku), usually called Tokodai (東工大, Tōkōdai) or Tokyo Tech, is the largest institution of higher learning in Japan dedicated to science and technology. Tokyo Institute of Technology is recognized as a leading university, especially in natural science and engineering field. The university was ranked the 61st in overall performance (4th best Japanese University), the 21st in technology, and the 57th in natural science among the world's best universities in 2008, according to the TIMES-QS World University Rankings.

The institute has three campuses, the Ōokayama campus in Ōokayama, Meguro being the main campus. The other two campuses are the Tamachi campus, located in Shibaura, Minato and the Suzukakedai campus, located in Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama.

The university is a member of LAOTSE, an international network of leading universities in Europe and Asia exchanging students and senior scholars.

7. Seoul National University

Seoul National University (SNU), colloquially known in Korean as Seouldae (서울대), is a public research university located in Seoul, Republic of Korea, ranked 50th in the world and 8th in Asia by US News and World Report (citing a survey performed by THES-QS World University Rankings), and 24th in the world in publications by the Science Citation Index. Founded in 1946, Seoul National University was the first national university in South Korea, and served as a model for the many national and public universities in the country. Seoul National University has been recognized for its leading role in Korean academia.

Throughout its history, Seoul National University has been regarded as the most eminent of all post-secondary educational institutions in South Korea. It is regarded as the most renowned university by the general public and recruits top-notch high school students. To join the international trend of learning, the university's faculty recruiting effort includes more than 350 foreign professors. Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen and Fields Medal recipient Hironaka Heisuke are on the faculty roster.

Today Seoul National University comprises sixteen colleges and six professional schools, with a student body of about thirty-thousand. It has two campuses in Seoul: the main campus in Gwanak, and the medical campus (named Yeongeon Campus after its neighbourhood) in Jongno. SNU is notable for its "fleet-style" system, offering diplomas for virtually every academic field, from aerospace engineering to Western history.

6. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

KAIST Business School is a postgraduate business university located in Seoul, South Korea. KAIST Business School was established in 1996 as the nation’s first graduate school specializing in business and management education. It is regarded as one of the leading business schools in Korea.

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) was founded in 1971 as the Korea Advanced Institute of Science (KAIS). KAIS was authorized by the Ministry of Science and Technology to educate scientific researchers and technology specialists and to grant masters and doctoral degrees. In 1989, KAIS was united with the Korea Institute of Technology (KIT), and undergraduate school. KIT was founded to provide special education for gifted students and was authorized to confer bachelor's degrees.

5. Osaka University

Osaka University (大阪大学, Ōsaka daigaku), or Handai (阪大, Handai), is a major national university in Osaka, Japan. It is the sixth oldest university in Japan, as the Prefectural Osaka Medical College, and formerly one of the Imperial Universities of Japan.

Hideki Yukawa obtained his Nobel Prize in Physics on his early work conducted at Osaka University.

Osaka University is recognized as a leading university, especially in basic sciences and medical field. The university was ranked the 44th among the world's best universities and the 3rd best Japanese university in 2008, according to the QS World University Rankings.

4. Kyoto University

Kyoto University (京都大学, Kyōto daigaku?), or Kyodai (京大, Kyōdai?) is a major national university in Kyoto, Japan. It is the second oldest university in Japan, and formerly one of the Imperial Universities of Japan. The university has a total of about 22,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs.

Kyoto University has historically advocated a "spirit of freedom" in its academic activities The university established itself as a premier research university with six Nobel Laureates and two Fields Medalists among its faculties and alumni. The university is also known as the home of the Kyoto School group of philosophers.

Kyoto University is acknowledged as one of the top two universities in Japan, and was ranked as the 22nd best university in the world in 2007 according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities. The Times Higher Education Supplement ranked Kyoto University as the 25th in the world and the 3rd in Asia in 2007.

3. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (often abbreviated HKUST) is a public university located in Hong Kong. Established in 1991 under Hong Kong Law Chapter 1141 (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Ordinance), it is one of the nine universities in Hong Kong.

Professor Paul Ching-wu Chu. is the current president of HKUST. Its campus is located in Sai Kung District in the New Territories of Hong Kong. Overlooking Clear Water Bay, the school is home to 9,000 students as well as 453 professors.

Since its official opening in 1991, the university has become one of the top universities in Hong Kong and is among the most prestigious in Asia. The Times Higher Education ranked HKUST 39th worldwide and 24th in technology . The HKUST Business School’s MBA program was ranked first in Asia, 11th worldwide by the EIU and 16th worldwide by the Financial Times.

2. The Chinese University of Hong Kong

The Chinese University of Hong Kong, commonly referred to as CUHK, is the second oldest university in Hong Kong; it is campus-based and also the only collegiate university in the territory. The motto of the university is "博文約禮" in Chinese, meaning "to broaden one's intellectual horizon and keep within the bounds of propriety".

The Chinese University does not conduct its classes solely in Cantonese. Cantonese, English, and Mandarin are the languages of instruction.

The University ranks as the 42nd university worldwide and the third in Hong Kong and PRC in the 2008 Times Higher Education Supplement rankings.

1. The University of Hong Kong

The University of Hong Kong (informally Hong Kong University, or simply HKU) is the oldest tertiary institution in Hong Kong. Its motto is "Sapientia et Virtus" in Latin, meaning "wisdom and virtue", and "明德格物" in Chinese. The official language of instruction is English.

The University is referred by Quacquarelli Symonds as a "world-class comprehensive research university" [3] and was ranked 26th on the 2008 THES - QS World University Rankings, making it 3rd in Asia (after University of Tokyo and Kyoto University).

In 2009, it was ranked the 1st in Asian universities by Quacquarelli Symonds.

10. Palm Trilogy

The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island created using land reclamation by Nakheel, a company owned by the Dubai government. It is one of three islands called The Palm Islands which extend into the Persian Gulf, increasing Dubai’s shoreline by a total of 520 km. The Palm Jumeirah is the smallest and the original of three Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira) under development by Nakheel. It is located on the Jumeirah coastal area of the emirate of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

9. Burj Dubai

Burj Dubai (Arabic: برج دبي‎ "Dubai Tower") is a supertall skyscraper under construction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is the tallest man-made structure ever built, despite being incomplete. Construction began on 21 September 2004, and the tower is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy by September 2009.

The building is part of the 2 km2 (0.8 sq mi) development called "Downtown Burj Dubai" at the "First Interchange" along Sheikh Zayed Road at Financial Centre Road (previously known as Doha Street). The tower's architect is Adrian Smith, who worked with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) until 2006. The Chicago-based architecture and engineering firm SOM is in charge of the project. The primary builders are Samsung Engineering & Construction and Besix along with Arabtec. Turner Construction Company was chosen as the construction manager.

The total budget for the Burj Dubai project is about US$4.1 billion, and for the entire new "Downtown Dubai", US$20 billion. Mohamed Ali Alabbar, the CEO of Emaar Properties, speaking at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat 8th World Congress, said that the price of office space at Burj Dubai had reached $4,000 per sq ft (over $43,000 per m2) and that the Armani Residences, also in Burj Dubai, were selling for US$3,500 per sq ft (over $37,500 per m2).

8. Business Bay

Business Bay (Arabic: الخليج التجاري‎) is a central business district under construction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The project features numerous skyscrapers located in an area where Dubai Creek will be dredged and extended. Business Bay will have upwards of 230 buildings, attracting commercial and residential developments.

7. Dubai Sports City

The Dubai Sports City is a $4 billion, 50,000,000 square feet (4,600,000 m2) mixed-use sports city currently being constructed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The city will consist of apartment buildings as well as several sports facilities. The first structures are due to open in late 2007. Many people believed it was going to be used in Dubai's possible bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, but Dubai never submitted a bid.

Dubai Properties is master developer of this project for infrastructure . The project expected to be complete in 2011.

6. Mall of Arabia

Mall of Arabia is a shopping mall to be built as part of the City of Arabia in the Dubailand theme park premises in Dubai. It was announced by the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group and will include leisure and entertainment facilities, a theatre stage, and feature an ancient Middle Eastern exterior. Its Phase 1 has a gross leasable area of 4,000,000 sq ft (370,000 m2); however, when all phases are completed, it will have a final gross leasable area of 10,000,000 sq ft (930,000 m2), surpassing the South China Mall in Dongguan, China, and the SM Mall of Asia in Manila, Philippines as the world's largest shopping mall. It has two levels of retail and entertainment, rooftop hotels and numerous leisure facilities. There will be 10,400 covered car park spaces in its first phase.

In August 2005 the Starbucks Coffee Co. of Seattle, Washington announced that the world's largest Starbucks cafe will be built in the centre court of the mall, symbolizing the Middle East's long association with coffee and the expanding business partnership between Starbucks and the growing Dubai marketplace.

5. Dubailand

Dubailand is an entertainment complex under development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which is owned by Tatweer (which belongs to Dubai Holding). Construction of Dubailand has been divided into four phases. Work is currently being carried out on phase one of the project which is expected to see completion some time between 2008 and 2010.

4. Dubai Internet City

Dubai Internet City (DIC; Arabic: مدينة دبي للإنترنت‎) is an information technology park created by the Government of Dubai as a free economic zone and a strategic base for companies targeting regional emerging markets. The economic rules of DIC allow companies to avail themselves of a number of ownership, taxation and custom related benefits which are guaranteed by law for a period of 50 years. One model of operation includes 100% foreign ownership, similar to those prevailing in other designated economic zones in the United Arab Emirates. These freedoms have led many global information technology firms, such as Microsoft, IBM, Oracle Corporation, Sun Microsystems, Cisco, HP, Nokia and Siemens, Nera Telecom, as well as UAE based companies such as i-mate, Acette, to move their regional base to the DIC. DIC is located adjacent to other industrial clusters such as Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Village.

DIC presently has over one and half million square feet of prime commercial office space, in which over 850 companies with over 10,000 workers are based. In March 2008, DIC announced a rent hike of 25% for leases signed after June 2008. The government imposes a rent cap of 5% on private landlords, but exempts its own projects from the law. It is claimed that the rent is still below the market rate, but this is in a city that proudly boasts that it will soon have the most expensive office rents in the world.

3. Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina (Arabic: مرسى دبي‎, also called Dubai Marina Arabic: دبي مرينا‎) is a district in the heart of what has recently become known as 'new Dubai', in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is located at 25°4′52.86″N 55°8′38.67″E / 25.08135°N 55.144075°E / 25.08135; 55.144075 on Interchange 5 between Jebel Ali Port and the area which hosts Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and the American University in Dubai. The first phase of this project has been completed. Dubai Marina was inspired by and designed to model the highly successful Concord Pacific Place development along False Creek in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

The marina is entirely man-made and has been developed by the real estate development firm Emaar Properties of the United Arab Emirates. The marina will contain over 200 high-rise buildings and some supertall skyscrapers, Dubai Marina Towers, The Torch Dubai Marina, Infinity Tower, The Princess Tower,Marina 101,Marina 106,Pentominium, Tamani Hotel Marina, Marina Terrace, Le Rêve (Dubai) and Horizon Tower to name a few, and comprise an area of 4.9 million m² (50 million ft²), which includes the 40 residential and hotel towers of the Jumeirah Beach Residence. Upon completion, it is claimed to be the world's largest man-made marina. Unlike other parts of Dubai there is a publicly accessible foreshoreway around the marina and some sections of public oceanway along the beach with views to Palm Jumeriah. The current largest man-made marina in the world is Marina del Rey in California, USA.

2. The World

The World is a man-made archipelago of 300 islands constructed in the shape of a world map and located four kilometres off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The World is one of several artificial island developments in Dubai. Like the other artificial island projects such as the Palm Islands, The World was built primarily using sand dredged from the sea. Development was by Nakheel Properties and originally conceived by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.

Islands in the archipelago range from about 14,000 square metres (150,000 sq ft) to 42,000 square metres (450,000 sq ft). Distance between islands is an average of 100 metres. The entire development covers an area 9 km in length and 6 km in width, surrounded by an oval breakwater. Roughly 232 kilometres (144 mi) of shoreline were created. Overall development cost of The World was estimated to be $14 billion USD in 2005. As for individual islands, prices have ranged between $15 and $50 million USD with one island offered for sale at a price of $250 million USD.

The project was unveiled in May 2003 by Sheikh Mohammed and dredging began four months later in September 2003. By January 2008, 60% of the islands were sold, 20 of which were bought in the first four months of 2007. On 10 January 2008 the final stone on the breakwater was laid, completing development of the archipelago. Commercial and residential properties are being constructed on purchased islands.

Newspaper reports in 2009 suggested that work on The World had been suspended due to the effects of the global financial crisis.

1. Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab (Arabic: برج العرب‎,Tower of the Arabs) is a luxury hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At 321 m (1,050 ft), it is the second tallest building in the world used exclusively as a hotel. However, the structure of the unfinished Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea is 9 m (30 ft) taller than the Burj Al Arab, and the Rose Tower, also in Dubai, topped Burj Al Arab's height at 333 m (1,090 ft), becoming the world's tallest hotel. The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. It is an iconic structure, designed to symbolize Dubai's urban transformation and to mimic the sail of a boat.

Source: Wiki

10. Sultan Qaboos University

Sultan Qaboos University is the realization of the promise announced by His. Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said during the 10th anniversary of Oman’s National Day in 1980. Construction started in 1982 and the first Sultan Qaboos University students were enrolled in 1986. In accordance with the Royal Directives of His Majesty, The University commenced with five colleges; namely Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Education and Science. Furthermore the College of Arts was established in 1987, following the College of Commerce and Economics which was developed in 1993. The College of Law joined the University in 2006 and finally the College of Nursing was established in 2008.

The design and construction of the campus was carried out with great attention to the fulfillment of these objectives, with the overall appearance of the buildings carefully planned to accommodate the physical, intellectual, and spiritual needs of students, faculty and staff.

Set in a valley beneath the stark panorama of the nearby foothills of the Oman Mountains, the University is a tasteful array of buildings designed with arches and courtyards and constructed in white and pink sandstone in a manner that reflects traditional Omani and Islamic architecture. The University was constructed on an axis in the valley with one end aligned toward Mecca.

This axis line starts at the gates of entrance to the University, runs through the Administration Building with its massive Omani doors, and extends uninterrupted through the middle of the academic buildings to the University Mosque at the western end of the campus. The Mosque, with its large dome and minarets, is situated on the higher ground of the campus, and is visible from many points within and around the University.

During the design period, the University landscaping was carefully considered and the original plantings have since become verdant gardens and flower beds. The plantings include species, native to Oman and other Gulf regions, that grow and flourish in an arid environment. The landscaping provides shade from the sun, shelter against the wind, and splendid display of colour from flowers and foliage throughout the year.

The traditional Islamic separation of the genders is maintained in the architecture of the University. There is separate access to buildings through lower and upper walkways for men and women and separate seating in the classrooms.

Altogether, the campus portrays the rich heritage of Oman and Islam while incorporating all the efficiencies of modern life. The result is an educational and living environment which is both functional and attractive.

9. Higher Colleges of Technology

The Higher Colleges of Technology is the largest higher educational institution in the United Arab Emirates with the current enrolment exceeding 16,000 students, all UAE nationals.

Since the establishment of its four founding colleges in 1988, the Higher Colleges of Technology have become well respected for innovative learning in the United Arab Emirates. Across the UAE today, in the cities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah and the western region of Madinat Zayed and Ruwais, the sixteen HCT men's and women's modern campuses offer an impressive range of programs - more than 80 programs at four different credential levels - Diploma, Higher Diploma, Bachelor and Masters. More than 10,000 of the current students are female.

The HCT celebrated its 20th year of operations in 2007 with many strategic new initiatives to further expand and enhance its operations in quality and in increasing access. HCT has awarded 36,516 credentials to 25,236 graduates in its first two decades. These graduates have gone into the UAE employment market, making a significant impact on sustainable economic and social development of the country.

8. Tehran University of Medical Science

Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), is the largest and "most distinguished", and most highly ranked medical school of Iran. In september 2008 the health minister of Iran (Dr. Lankarani) called TUMS a pioneer in research throughout the country with a noticeable lead over counterparting universities.

Located in Tehran adjacent to the main University of Tehran campus, it was founded as part of Dar ol-Fonoon, and later absorbed into Tehran University in 1934.

It finally separated from Tehran University by parliamentary legislation in 1986.

TUMS today is ranked as one of Iran's top research universities, with an annual research budget of over 300 billion Rials from the government.

The school trains over 13,000 students (40% of which are women) in over 80 postgraduate programs.

The school operates 15 teaching hospitals, and is equipped with over 40 libraries, and publishes 26 journals.

Currently however, Tehran University of Medical Sciences publishes all its scientific research under the name "University of Tehran".

The university operates The National Museum of Medical Sciences History as well.

7. Al Quds University The Arab University in Jerusalem

Al-Quds University (Arabic: جامعة القدس‎) is a Palestinian university in Jerusalem. It was founded in 1984, but its official constitution was written in 1993 when Mohammed Nusseibeh, its first Chancellor and Chancellor of the College of Science and Technology, announced its formation.

Its founding constituent colleges included the colleges of Science and Technology, Paramedical Sciences, Arts and Religious Studies. Its School of Medicine, associated with the city's Maqasid hospital, was the first college to be founded directly under the banner of Al-Quds in 1993, and is the first Palestinian medical school. Al-Quds is governed by a Board of Trustees. The founding board was headed by Mohammed Nusseibeh and included Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Sheikh Ikrema Sabri, Adnan al-Husayni, Saeb Erekat and others as members. The first president, Hatem Husseini was followed by the current acting president, Sari Nusseibeh.

The University, the only Arab University in Jerusalem, provides higher education and community services within the Jerusalem area and to the neighboring towns, villages and refugee camps in the West Bank.

It has ten academic faculties on four campuses: Arts, Science and Technology, Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health, Law, Qur'an and Islamic Studies, Health Professions, Engineering, and Jurisprudence. These faculties accommodate more than six thousand students from the Jerusalem area and from the districts of Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Jericho, Nablus, Ramallah and Tulkarem. The university continues to deliver educational services and engage students in positive learning experiences, so that they may envision and hope for a better future. The University maintains two Jerusalem campuses and administrative offices in the American Colony and in Beit Hanina, though since the Second Intifada many classes have been moved to other campuses in Abu Dis. Other campuses operate in al-Bireh next to Ramallah and Tubas.

The university faces a major, unprecedented financial and operational crisis brought about by the dire economic and social situation presently prevailing in the area. Steady subsidies are not available, and the university is unable to charge its students full tuition fees commensurate with real costs. Recent contributions from Arab governments alleviated the crisis somewhat, enabling the university to pay a portion of the salaries of its 723 support staff employees and faculty members. This temporary, one-time assistance made it possible to re-start the present academic year.

6. Sharif University of Technology

Sharif University of Technology (Persian: دانشگاه صنعتی شریف Dāneshgāh-e San'ati-ye Sharif) is a public university of technology, engineering and science in Iran. It is one of the most prominent science and engineering schools in the Middle East and in Iran. The university is located in Tarasht neighberhood of Tehran within the walking distance of Azadi Square, and has an international campus in Kish Island of Persian Gulf. The university is named after Majid Sharif Vaghefi, a former student who was killed in 1975.

Sharif University of Technology (SUT) provides both undergraduate and graduate programs in 14 main departments. The student body consists of 8000 undergraduate students and 1000 graduate students from all the 30 provinces. Funding for Sharif University is provided by the government, and in some part from investments of the industry. Undergraduate admission to Sharif is limited to the top 5% of students who pass the national entrance examination administered yearly by the Ministry of Culture and Higher Education. It was formerly named the Aryamehr University of Technology (Persian: دانشگاه صنعتی آریامهر Dāneshgāh-e San'ati-ye Āryāmehr).

5. Birzeit University Palestine

The institution was originally founded in 1924 by Nabiha Nasir as an elementary school for girls from Birzeit and the surrounding villages. It was one of the first schools in the area. In 1930, it became a co-educational secondary school, and in 1932 was renamed Birzeit Higher School.

In 1942, the name was changed to Birzeit College to be in harmony with its educational secondary level . In 1953, a freshman class was incorporated to Birzeit College, followed by a sophomore class in 1961.

BZU's official language is Arabic, though many courses are taught in English. The University follows a semester system, with two four-month semesters beginning in Autumn and Spring, and a shorter two-month semester in Summer.

4. United Arab Emirates University

United Arab Emirates University (in Arabic:جامعة الإمارات العربية المتحدة) was established in 1976, and is the oldest of the three government-sponsored institutions of higher learning in the United Arab Emirates compared to the Higher Colleges of Technology and Zayed University. The university is located in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

3. American University of Beirut

The American University of Beirut (AUB; Arabic: الجامعة الأميركية في بيروت‎) is a private, independent university in Beirut, Lebanon. It was founded as the Syrian Protestant College by American missionary Daniel Bliss in 1866. The name was changed to the American University of Beirut on November 18, 1920. The university is popularly known as AUB.

Although AUB’s student body is primarily Lebanese, almost one-fifth of its students attended secondary school or university outside of Lebanon before coming to AUB.

AUB launched its YouTube Educational Channel in February 2008, following in the footsteps of universities such as UC Berkeley and MIT AUB Channel.

On March 21, 2008, the Board of Trustees selected Peter Dorman to be AUB's 15th president. He succeeded Dr. John Waterbury who was president of AUB from 1998 to 2008. Dr. Dorman is an international scholar in the field of Egyptology and formerly chaired the University of Chicago's Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.

In June 2006, the number of degrees and diplomas awarded since June 1870 totaled 72,838.

2. University of Tehran

The University of Tehran (Persian: دانشگاه تهران), also known as Tehran University and UT, is the oldest and largest university of Iran. Its library is the largest in country. It is referred to (nicknamed) as "The mother university of Iran" (Persian: دانشگاه مادر). Important seminars are frequently held in this university. Located in Tehran, the university is among the most prestigious in Iran and the Middle East, and among the first options of applicants in the annual nationwide entrance exam for top Iranian universities. The school also admits students from all over the world and is known for its wide-ranging fields of research. UT offers 116 bachelor degree programs, 160 masters degree programs, and 120 Ph.D. degree programs.

The adjacent Tehran University of Medical Sciences, although administratively separate, shares the same main campus, and publishes all its scientific research under the name "University of Tehran".

1. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Mineral

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM or UPM) (Arabic: جامعة الملك فهد للبترول و المعادن Ǧāmaʿat al-Malik Fahd Lilbetrūl wa al-Maʿādin - short:(جامعة البترول Ǧāmaʿat al-Betrūl) is a public university in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. It was established on 23 September 1963 by a Saudi Royal Decree as the "College of Petroleum and Minerals," providing high-level education about two of the most valuable natural resources in Saudi Arabia. It was given university status in 1975.

Sources: Wiki

10. WOW Philippines (Chocolate Hills)

The Chocolate Hills in Bohol is perhaps one of the most beautiful tourist attraction in the Philippines. People who first see these natural wonders can’t even believe that they are not man-made attraction. They are uniform in shape and size (approx 30-50 meters in height). They are covered in grass, and when those grass dries they turn into dark brown, making them look like chocolates.

9. WOW Philippines (Asia TV Spot)

This “more than the usual” commercial was first aired on CNN and BBC. They’ve attracted so much attention that the Department of Tourism decided to put up short teasers featuring things and places that can only be found in the Philippines. One famous commercial was with the natives of Ifugao conversing in English.

8. WOW Philippines (Islands)

In Dubai and Japan, they build islands for recidencial and commercial space. In the Philippines, we have so many islands that some common people have their own island. Now, how cool is that.

7. SMART/DOT (Action)

This commercial was created by the department of tourism with SMART telecommunication to attract locals to travel around the Philippines. This TV Spot features extreme sports that’s becoming more and more popular in the Philippines like 4W-tours, Rowing, Kayaking, Mountain climbing, BMX, and Diving.

6. SMART/DOT (Iba't-Ibang Pasko)

The Philippines has earned the distinction of celebrating the world’s longest Christmas season. The celebration begins in mid-October lasting up to December 31st when Filipino families gather for the celebration of New Year. Filipinos loves to celebrate that it’s the only country in Asia that celebrates the death and birthdays of each of the catholic saints. It’s an all year round celebration; you just have to know where to go.

5. SMART/DOT (People and Culture)

The Filipinos are famous for their hospitality. Their attitude towards other people is exceptional.

It is common for Filipinos to reserve a part of their house for their guest. Notice when you first enter a Filipino home, you are greeted with furnitures wrapped in plastic (so as not to damage the furniture for everyday use). These plastics are then removed when a visitor arrives.

When you arrive in a Filipino home during meal time, you will not be asked to wait, instead you will be asked to sit down and share whatever they have on the table.

4. WOW Philippines (Shopping)

Shopping in the Philippines can be fun. There are a lot of options to choose from. Different designer stores are located all over the metro.

But the most exciting part when shopping in the Philippines is bargaining. If you have never experienced bargaining with Filipino vendors before, you should try it. It’s the most fun thing in the world. If you don’t understand what they are saying, just ask some random stranger walking around to translate for you, they will be happy to accommodate you.

3. WOW Philippines (The Philippines)

From shopping to adventure, our Island has it all!

2. SMART/DOT (Fiestas)

The Philippines is well known for its colourful festivals. Featured in this video are the Masskara Festival, Sinulog Festival, Ati-Atihan, Santacruzan, and the Moriones Festival.

1. WOW Philippines (English)

When the American teachers called the Thomasites arrived in the Philippines and establish the public schools system all over the nation, the first thing they thought the Filipinos is the English language. From then on, Universities and secondary schools in the Philippines use the English language as a medium of instruction.

There is a Philippine legend about the creation of the Philippine Island. The story suggests that when the gods created the Philippines, they loved it so much that they’ve decided to create 7,100 more.

The best thing about travelling in the Philippines is the affordability. Tourists who frequent the Philippines came up with the term “island hopping”  because everything is so cheap that they can virtually ‘hop’  to different island as they please, practically enjoying different beaches everyday.

Here are the top 1o beaches in the Philippines.

10. Alona Beach

Bohol has become a favorite destination for beach lovers with soft white sand great diving sites. Alona Beach with 800 m long sand stretch has many hotels, restaurants and diving centers.

Doljo Beach is secluded with shallow water whereas Cabilao Island on the west coast of Bogol has excellent diving sites and clear water. The landscape is dominated by Chocolate hills adding to the beauty of the place.

9. Puraran Beach

Located at Catanduanes Island in the Pacific Ocean it is a major surfers paradise. Its clean white sand is very inviting but the sea can get rough sometimes. Puraran Beach is known for its large waves. The surfing season at Puraran Beach, Catanduanes is October.
 
You can find other white sandy beaches like Pamangal beach and Igang beach at San Andre's town. This province records plentiful rainfall, so the best time to visit these beaches is from April to June.

8. Muelle Bay

Puerto Galera has some excellent white sandy beaches to laze around with best facilities for coral cruising. The warm clear water can be very inviting.

If you are looking for tranquility then serene big and small laguna beaches are just right for you. For nature lovers there are inland nature walks.

The best time to visit is from November to June but an occasional typhoon or storm can bring rain and high speed winds for few days.

7. Bantayan Island

Situated at the northern tip of Cebu, Bantayan island is well-known for its powder white sand beach and turquoise water along the southwest coast.

It has a friendly and laid-back ambience where you can really relax and enjoy the scenic beauty. The beaches around Santa Fe are alluring. Puo Island has some virgin beaches away from commercialization.

The best time to visit Bantayan Beach is from February to May, which are the driest months.

6. Hundred Island National Park

The Hundred Islands National Park (Pangasinan: Kapulo-puloan or Taytay-Bakes) is in the province of Pangasinan in northern Philippines. It is located in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The islands (124 at low tide and 123 at high tide) are scattered along Lingayen Gulf and cover an area of 18.44 square kilometres (4,557 acres). They are believed to be about two million years old. Only three of them have been developed for tourists: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children's Island. The islands are actually ancient corals that extend well inland, in an area previously comprising the seabed of an ancient sea. Lowering sea levels have exposed them to the surface and the peculiar "umbrella"-like shapes of some of the islands have been caused by the eroding action of the ocean waves.

5. El Nido

El Nido Philippines is about 420 kilometers southwest of Manila, and about 238 kilometers northeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital.

El Nido Philippines has over 50 beaches to discover, also find enchanting lagoons with tranquil turquoise-green water, caves that can take you to hidden beaches, and a very diverse variety of wildlife. The limestone cliffs of El Nido were naturally carved out of extensive and thick layers of coralline deposits. They formed 250 million years ago in the shallow sea covering the area that North Vietnam and South China now occupy. These layers slowly rose from the sea as a result of the collision of India and mainland China about 60 million years ago.

4. Patar Beach

When you have crowded beaches, then Patar beach is the place for you.

Situated in the small town of Bolinao is the Province of Pangasinan, Patar beach is one of the most secluded beach in the Philippines.

The best season to visit Malapascua Island is from February to May.

3. Malapascua Island

This tiny island is situated at the tip of Cebu Island is already rated high on the world's best beaches.

It has emerged as a major dive centre with thresher sharks passing between Cebu and Leyte Islands as a common site.

The best season to visit Malapascua Island is from February to May.

2. Honda Bay Palawan

A destination full of natural beauty Palawan's 1770 islands are fast emerging as most desired holiday option by international tourists and adventurers. Still untouched by commercialization it has maintained its pristine beauty and wonderful beaches. An ideal place for sun bathers Honda Bay has several islets which include Cannon Island, Bat Island and Starfish Island with beautiful coral reefs and clear Water.
 
Arreceffi Island has famous luxury Dos Palmas resort and cheaper accommodations are also available. You can also stay at Puerto Princesa from where you can take boat ride to the beach. Tubbataha Reef Marine Park a world heritage site is also located at Palawan which is country's best dive spot.Take boat from Puerto Princesa which operates daily from March to May.

There are other options also like jungle eco-hikes and underground river trip. The best season to visit is from December to May.

1. White Beach

Sources: beachesworld,com

wiki

Malls have become a permanent fixture to city living in the Philippines. It seems like everywhere you look, there will always be that grand structure that will catch every ones attention.

Malls provide escape to common Filipinos from the warm tropical weather of the country. It also provides a place where people can stroll, dine, and unwind.

The rate of lands being developed for malls are exponentially fast compared to other Asian country. Even to the countryside, malls are rising so fast that it will make your head spin. If this pace continues, it won’t be a surprise if the Philippines become the mall capital of the world.

Now, still not convinced? Here are the top 10 malls in the Philippines. After you see these grand shopping structures, ask yourself, is the Philippines really poor? Hehehe...

10. SM North-EDSA

SM City North EDSA is the first SM Supermall operated by SM Prime Holdings, which is the largest retail and mall operator in the Philippines. SM City North Edsa is the largest mall in the Philippines and the second largest in the world, having a gross floor area of 425,000 square meters. It is located at the intersection of North Avenue and Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Quezon City, approximately a kilometer west of Quezon City Hall and 10 kilometres north of Makati City. SM North EDSA's First major tenants are Manels, Jollibee, Ricky Reyes, National Bookstore, French Baker, Sportshouse, McDonald’s, Max's of Manila, Goldilocks Bakeshop, Dimensione, Magic, Ideal Vision, Fabric Warehouse, and Multi time.

Construction of SM City North EDSA started in 1983 and opened in 1985. Since then, the shopping mall has undergone several expansions and renovations. It features SM Department Store, The flagship SM Supermarket, a bowling alley, a food court, a Sky Garden, an entertainment stage for events, a 12-cinema complex, a Hypermarket, and 820 specialty shops and restaurants. In 2006, Ayala Malls constructed TriNoma, a shopping mall across North Avenue from SM City North EDSA, and created significant market competition. Currently, the SM mall is undergoing a redevelopment plan that will see the opening of the Sky Garden in 2009, which will increase the mall's floor area from 425,000 m² to 460,000 m², an IMAX theater and other amenities.

The mall attracts almost 1.7 million visitors on weekends, and 600,000 to 1,100,000 visitors on weekdays.

9. Glorietta

Glorietta is a large shopping mall in the Ayala Center in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The mall is owned by the Zobel de Ayala family and it's holding company, Ayala Corporation. The mall is divided into five sections (named Glorietta 1-5) and contains many shops and restaurants, as well as cinema screens, a gym, arcades and a large central atrium often used to stage special events. It has an activity center, located at the heart of the mall. It is also integrated between Greenbelt Mall, SM Makati, Rustan's Makati and The Landmark, a department store. Ayala Center is planning to construct Glorietta 5, which will be located in front of Hotel Intercontinental Manila and beside Rustans Department Store, as part of the Ayala Land's plan of redeveloping Glorietta. The tenants affected by the October 19, 2007 explosion will be given an option to relocate there. 

8. Robinsons-Midtown Manila

Robinsons Place Manila was originally built in the 1980's and was redeveloped into a 7-level world-class shopping complex with more than 330 internationally known and popular local shops, dining outlets, entertainment facilities and service centers. The Padre Faura Wing was opened in June 2000, which connected the twin residential high-rise condominium -- Robinsons Place Residences and future Adriatico Residences.

7. Robinsons Galleria

Robinsons Galleria is a large shopping mall located at EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City just near SM Megamall. It is Robinsons' flagship mall. The mall is owned by John Gokongwei, founder of JG Summit Holdings and Robinsons Land Co. It was built in 1990 with a total gross floor area of approximately 216,000 m2 (2,330,000 sq ft). Currently, The entire mall is undergoing major renovations and redevelopment as the West Wing is halfway completed. Robinsons Galleria will become an even modern, more tech, more exciting shopping experience.

6. SM Megamall

SM Megamall is a large shopping mall located in the Ortigas business district of Metro Manila, Philippines. It is the third SM Supermall developed and operated by SM Prime Holdings, the largest mall operator in the Philippines owned by Henry Sy Sr,. The mall has two buildings interconnected with a bridge. The mall is measured with a land area of approximately 18-hectares and has a total floor area of an estimated 348,000 m², making it the third largest shopping mall in the country and seventh largest shopping mall in the world. SM Megamall is the mall that gave attention to filipinos to make way for the malling experience.The mall attracts a daily foot traffic of 500,000 people.

5. Gateway Mall

Gateway Mall is a shopping mall complex located at Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. Also underway at Araneta Center is a mall expansion and construction of the Gateway Tower. Gateway Mall has won some awards in terms of its mall design and tenant mix which made the mall to become the 2006-2007 shopping mall of the year. The mall features more than 300 shops and restaurants anchored by Rustan's, Food Express, a 9 Digital Cineplex and a Globe Platinum Cinema and a games arcade.

4. Shangri-La Plaza

Shangri-La Plaza is an upscale shopping mall situated in the Ortigas Center, a business/commercial district in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. It is surrounded by four streets in the commercial area, namely, Internal Avenue, St. Francis Avenue, Shaw Boulevard and the major highway EDSA. Affectionately called The Shang, this seven-storey structure is also accessible through the Shaw Boulevard MRT Station in the fifth floor which connects it to the Manila Metro Rail Transit System. It is also the only retail arm of Kuok Group of Companies, the owner of the worldwide chain of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. 

3. TriNoma

TriNoma, or Triangle North of Manila, is a large shopping mall in Quezon City in the Philippines owned by property development firm Ayala Land Inc. Opened in 2007, the mall is located on the side of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, near the North Avenue MRT Station in Quezon City, giving significant market competition to the nearby SM City North EDSA as one of the largest malls in Manila's metropolitan area.

TriNoma is located at the EDSA corner North Avenue in Quezon City. Strategically located in "North Triangle", the mall is bound by three major thoroughfares, namely, North Avenue, EDSA and Mindanao Avenue. Located on a 20 hectare parcel of land, TriNoma has a gross leasable area of 195,000 square meters, which includes the mall's major anchor, The Landmark Supermarket and Department Store.

It is directly connected to the MRT's North Avenue station as the mall itself sits atop the MRT Depot. It will be almost connected to the Yellow Line's proposed North Avenue LRT Station. A pedestrian overpass has also been constructed to connect TriNoma with SM City North EDSA.

For better accessibility by car, it is best to take the mall's lobby drop off along Mindanao Ave. Landmark for this area is Conti's and UCC. A driveway allows for quick drop off and an elevator conveniently takes you to the mall's other floors. The TriNoma Park at the 3rd and 4th levels may be easily accessed too thru this lobby.

2. Greenbelt

Greenbelt is a large shopping mall located at Ayala Center, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines which is just near Glorietta and SM Makati. It's owned by Ayala Malls, a real-estate subsidiary of Ayala Land, which is an affiliate of Ayala Corporation. It opened in the 1980s and it is one of Ayala Corporation's flagship projects. The mall offers a mix of high-quality retail shops, restaurants, world-class amenities, leisure and entertainment in the Philippines. Currently, the mall has 5 sections, 2 are indoor buildings and the other 2 buildings are open-air shopping. The most recent addition, Greenbelt 5, opened in 2007.

Greenbelt is the country's first Premier Lifestyle Center that offers to the cosmopolitan consumer high quality, specialty shopping, dining and entertainment. Indoor and outdoor elements mingle with fluid harmony in this multi-awarded lifestyle center. Built around a 1.3-million-square-foot retail complex, Greenbelt's roster of prominent, world-class retailers, restaurateurs, and entertainment operators makes it an unparalleled shopping and entertainment destination. It was renovated in 2001 and re-opened as Greenbelt 1, 2 and 3 in 2002, with 4 and 5 opening in 2004 and 2007, respectively.

Greenbelt 1 features mostly appliance stores like ACE Hardware, Greenbelt 3 features mid-market brands such as Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Lacoste, Marks & Spencer, and Topshop, among others. Greenbelts 4 & 5, however, feature higher-end boutiques such as Burberry, Bulgari, Gucci, Hermès (opening 2009), Hugo Boss, Jimmy Choo (opening 2009), Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Tod's in Greenbelt 4 while Filipino designers, high-end department store Adora, and boutiques of Balenciaga (opening 2009), Bally, Bang & Olufsen, Chopard, DKNY, Escada, Massimo Dutti (opening 2009) Marc by Marc Jacobs, Patek Philippe, Paul Smith and Zara, among others, can be found in Greenbelt 5.

1. SM Mall of Asia

The SM Mall of Asia (also known as MOA or MoA) is a shopping mall owned by the SM Group of SM Prime Holdings, the largest mall developer and owner in the Philippines. SM Mall of Asia is the 2nd largest shopping mall in the Philippines after SM City North EDSA. It has a land area of 42 hectares and has a gross floor area of an approximate 410,000 m². The mall is located at Bay City, Pasay City, Philippines just near the SM Central Business Park and the Manila Bay. The mall attracts a daily foot traffic of 200,000 people.

The Mall of Asia was constructed within the reclamation area, west of . It is built on 19.5 hectares of reclaimed land and has a gross floor area of 386,224 square meters. The mall is located at the southmost tip of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue. A roundabout was constructed in the front of the mall with a huge bronze globe similar to that of the Universal Studios Theme Parks and the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Park in New York City.

The SM Mall of Asia mall grounds consists of four buildings interconnected by walkways; the Main Mall, the Entertainment Mall, and the North and South Carpark Buildings.

The Main Mall includes shopping and dining establishments and the food court. The Entertainment Mall is a two-story complex, a majority of which is open-air, facing Manila Bay.

The mall's 5,000 parking spaces are divided across two, six-story parking buildings conveniently designated the North and South parking buildings. The South Parking building houses the mall's official SM Department Store, while the mall's supermarket, the SM Hypermarket is located within the North Parking building.

One of the mall's somewhat-unique features is a 20-seater tram traveling around the mall grounds to ferry shoppers around.

Concierge desks are located in the Main Mall and the Entertainment Mall.

The mall includes branches of all of the standard anchor stores found in most of the SM Supermalls. The first-ever branch of Taste Asia, one of the SM Supermalls' food court brands, is located right outside the mall's supermarket, the sprawling SM Hypermarket.

One of the mall’s main attractions is the first ever IMAX theater in the country, along with a Director's Club Theater for intimate screenings (30 La-Z-Boy seats), a Premiere Cinema, and the CenterStage Cinema which can used for live musical concerts and theatrical performances. The San Miguel-Coca-Cola IMAX Theatre is one of the world's biggest IMAX screens in 3D.

In addition to the mall's special theaters, it also has six regular two-tiered movie theaters similar to the ones found in almost every SM Supermall.

The mall features the Philippines's first Olympic-sized ice skating rink. At 61 by 30 meters, the rink is described as the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia. It can accommodate both recreational and competitive figure skating, as well as ice hockey. Along with plain access and skate rentals, the rink's operators also offer training progams in both figure skating and ice hockey. Several ice skating competitions have been held at the mall's ice skating rink, the most prestigious yet having been Skate Asia 2007. It was also the first time that the Philippines had hosted any international ice skating event.

The mall's open-air Music Hall directly facing the sea has also held several events, contests and concerts.

The mall also provides office space. Dell International Services, a subsidiary of Dell, Inc. occupies a 13,470.5-square meter area at the second floor of the north parking building of the mall.

Sources: Wiki