American University in Dubai

The American University in Dubai (AUD) was established in 1995, following a fact-finding mission in 1991 led by Elias Bou Saab from the American College in Atlanta, Georgia.

The university was founded with significant support from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who continues to endorse the institution's growth and development. AUD was created to provide an American-style liberal arts education in the region while respecting local culture and values. It opened its doors in October 1995 with 165 students, about half of whom were female.

In the year 2000, AUD became officially licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and relocated to a purpose-built campus covering approximately 1.4 million square feet in what is now known as New Dubai.

The university's academic programs expanded rapidly; its largest academic department, the School of Business Administration, was established that same year. In 2001, AUD signed an agreement with the Georgia Institute of Technology to establish a School of Engineering, with curriculum adaptations tailored for the UAE.

Over the years, the university has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring ongoing recognition of its academic standards.

AUD offers undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for global careers across a variety of disciplines such as business, engineering, arts, and sciences. Its campus includes multiple academic buildings, student residences, a student center, sports facilities, and administrative offices.

The university is known for its diverse student body representing over 110 nationalities and a faculty of more than 120 members. AUD continues to evolve as one of the most established international universities in the Middle East, holding a prominent position in the regional higher education landscape through academic excellence and cultural inclusivity.