DILI, 20 May 2026 (TATOLI) – President and Nobel Peace Laureate, José Ramos-Horta, today presided over the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Female Students Residence Complex at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace. This transformative project, supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, aimed at promoting and enhancing access to education for young Timorese women from vulnerable and disadvantaged families.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the bilateral friendship between Timor-Leste and the UAE, reinforcing a shared commitment to empowering girls through safe, high-quality educational infrastructure.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates, Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri. The agreement was witnessed by President José Ramos-Horta and Prime-Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
Following the signing, the CEO of Areem Plus, Rajeev Mangottil, delivered a detailed presentation of the project plan. The presentation was followed by the groundbreaking ceremony led by President Ramos-Horta, Prime-Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas and Ambassador Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri.
The groundbreaking ceremony was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Hon. Richard Marles, two Former Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Hassan Wirajuda and Dr. Marty Natalegawa, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mrs. Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, Diplomatic Corps and government officials
Ambassador Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, in his brief remarks, said: “This significant initiative comes under the generous guidance and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, whose visionary leadership continues to place great importance on supporting sustainable development, education, and humanitarian cooperation around the world. Today’s ceremony represents another historic milestone in the growing relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic Democratic of Timor-Leste, reflecting our shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in the fields of development, education, and humanitarian partnership.”
President Ramos-Horta highlighted that the residence has been designed as a modern facility incorporating state-of-the-art technological and environmental solutions, including 100% solar energy, rainwater harvesting and treatment systems, wastewater recycling and circular economy principles. The complex will also include a library, study rooms, a dining hall, a clinic, and green spaces, forming a comprehensive environment supporting human and academic development. Expected to be completed in 2027, the building is intended to serve as a reference model for future public infrastructure projects in Timor-Leste, particularly those aiming for self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability.
In his remarks, President Ramos-Horta said: “Today is a day of hope and forward momentum for the young women of Timor-Leste. Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world, and for our daughters to succeed, they must learn in safety and dignity. I extend my profound gratitude to my dear friend, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his visionary generosity. The laying of this first stone is far more than the beginning of a physical construction — it is the materialization of a promise made to Timorese female students. A promise that every young woman, regardless of her social background, will have access to education, dignity, and the opportunity to build her future. May this residence stand as a symbol of hope, friendship between peoples and commitment to future generations.”
The Female Students Residence will provide safe and supportive accommodation for students pursuing their studies in Dili, helping to remove one of the key barriers to continued education for young women from across the country. The project follows sustained engagement between the Presidency, the Government, and partners in the UAE, reflecting a shared commitment to investing in education and empowering the next generation of Timorese leaders.
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