IIIT as strategic partner and academic advisor, participated in laying down the foundation stone for Al-Sharq University (University of the Orient). In a major ceremony on the site of the University in Northern Lebanon, Prime Minister Fuad Seniora laid down the foundation stone following a major speech to an audience which exceeded one thousand people.

Among the dignitaries that attended the functions, a number of ministers, members of parliament, religious leaders from the Muslim and Christian faiths, as well as heads and representative of major Lebanese Universities. The Prime Minister in his address hailed the project as a major landmark for northern Lebanon, the most underdeveloped region of the country and for Lebanon, to stay competitive in attracting students seeking higher education from the Arab world.

Dr. AbdulHamid AbuSulayman, in his address, highlighted the role of IIIT in educational reform, guiding major universities in the Muslim and Arab world. The objective is producing graduates who carry the vision and responsibility for developing their countries.