An American-style school backed by UAE authorities and business community, offering practice opportunities in global corporations.

Campus Location

The American University in Dubai sits in Media City, surrounded by over 3,000 international media companies and cutting-edge AI offices. With 5G connectivity and an entrepreneurial atmosphere, it’s where future innovations take shape. The campus runs along Sheikh Zayed Road, placing it just 15 km from Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa—two of the emirate’s most recognizable landmarks.

Dubai International Airport is only 20 minutes away, while the metro network makes getting around straightforward. Cultural and entertainment venues like Ski Dubai and Dubai Mall are nearby, which increasingly draws younger crowds to the area.

International Environment and Infrastructure

Over 2,000 students from more than 120 countries create a genuinely multicultural environment at AUD. A 1:4 faculty-to-student ratio keeps the academic atmosphere intimate, allowing for meaningful engagement. Faculty members—graduates of Harvard, MIT, and Cornell—bring American educational practices refined at top-tier schools. Their guidance helps graduates build careers across 90+ countries, whether leading Fortune 500 companies or launching their own ventures.

History of The American University in Dubai

Lebanese entrepreneur Elias Bou Saab founded the school in 1995, with backing from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This collaboration between business leadership and government created an educational hub where American academic standards meet regional insights specific to the Persian Gulf. Such strategic alignment shaped the university’s development from its earliest days.

Accreditation and Internships

The school offers over 20 accredited programs, including the UAE’s only NAAB-certified Bachelor of Architecture. Business programs hold triple accreditation (AACSB, IAA, SACSCOC), while engineering tracks meet rigorous ABET standards. AUD’s internship system places 65% of students in regional offices of multinational corporations, turning classroom theory into practical career capital. This approach, approved by the UAE Ministry of Education and KHDA, bridges academic learning and professional readiness.

Educational Programs

The university covers these key areas:

IT and Artificial Intelligence: Computer Engineering (B.S.Comp.E.), Artificial Intelligence (M.S.)

Business: Business Administration (B.B.A. and M.B.A.), Innovation Management (M.S.)

Engineering: Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering (B.S.), Construction Management (M.S.C.M.)

Additional programs include psychology, visual communication, and international relations. The English Bridge Program helps international students adapt to academic requirements before starting their main coursework.