The American University in Dubai: A Comprehensive Overview
The American University in Dubai (AUD), a private, for-profit institution located in Dubai Media City, United Arab Emirates, offers a globally recognized American education within a culturally inclusive environment. Founded in 1995, AUD has rapidly grown to enroll almost 3,000 students and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in the USA and officially licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education.
Academic Programs and Schools
AUD's many schools and departments allow students from a wide variety of academic majors to engage their disciplines with professors and peers from around the world in a MENA region context. The university's undergraduate schools encompass a wide range of academic and certificate programs, including:
- Business Administration
- Engineering
- Communication
- Arts & Sciences
- Architecture
- Art & Design
- Education
All courses are taught in English, except for language classes. Students can explore available classes via the Undergraduate Schedules and the AUD Course Catalogue webpage.
School of Business
The School of Business at AUD provides an American-style education with globally recognized accreditation, including AACSB, SACSCOC, and the UAE Ministry of Education. Located in Dubai Media City, it offers undergraduate (BBA) and graduate (MBA, MSc in Innovation Management) programs focused on practical, ethical, and culturally aware business practices. The school is equipped with specialized facilities such as a live trading room and the AUD-IBM Center of Excellence, fostering a career-oriented learning environment. The mission of the School of Business (SB) is to provide U.A.E., G.C.C.
Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication
The Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication holds accreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).
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Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies
For students seeking a deeper understanding of the region, AUD offers a Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies. This program explores the history, Arabic language, and culture of the Middle East.
Accreditation and Licensing
The American University in Dubai is accredited to grant bachelor's and master's degrees by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It is also officially licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates.
Campus Life and Student Experience
With over 100 nationalities represented on campus, AUD provides a diverse and international environment. International students are typically housed in on-campus residence halls, which offer a safe and well-maintained living and learning environment designed to foster a sense of community. Living on campus provides a unique opportunity for personal growth and immersion in university life.
The Residence Halls are designed to establish a sense of community, coupled with responsible, independent, and shared living. Dorm rooms are kept in immaculate condition by the cleaning staff and can be single or double occupancy, and each room comes with a private bathroom. The campus is very safe, with security at all exits/entrances and additional security to enter the dorms.
Socially, there are many student groups and activities at AUD, and the campus is conveniently located just 5 minutes from the metro, providing easy access to key locations like the Burj Khalifa and Mall of the Emirates.
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History and Development
The American University in Dubai was founded in 1995 by Elias Bou Saab with the support of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Dubai was chosen as the location due to its political stability and growing education sector. Starting with 165 students, AUD experienced rapid growth, moving to a new 1,400,000 square feet campus in 2000 with 687 students. The university was officially licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in 2000.
In 2001, a memorandum of understanding was signed between AUD and the Georgia Institute of Technology to establish a School of Engineering.
Considerations for Prospective Students
Students considering AUD should be aware of estimated expenses beyond tuition, such as airline tickets, meals, and personal expenses. It is important to plan for these out-of-pocket costs.
When in the UAE, it is important to dress in a way that is respectful of the culture, especially in other Emirates, and to read and respect the laws of the UAE. Even though Dubai can be very hot, it is advisable to bring sweaters because all of the buildings are air-conditioned. Making sure you take care of your bank fees, computer needs, and methods of communication before you leave are also important.
Study Abroad Opportunities
AUD is a popular destination for study abroad students. As a study abroad student from the United States, one felt welcomed at the American University in Dubai (AUD) months before arriving. The external relations and admissions staff were exceptionally helpful by maintaining frequent communication through sending materials such as a Pre-Departure Kit, reminders, and introducing the study abroad students to our Study Abroad Mentors (SAMs). Our friendly SAMs helped plan several excursions for the study abroad students and were an invaluable resource in terms of places to go and people to meet thereby the study abroad transition very smooth.
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Academically, AUD is an accredited school that offers classes in subjects such as business, engineering, and design. One took a diverse course load- business, engineering, Islamic Art and Architecture, and design- and have been impressed with the caliber of teaching. For example, one of my business professor's style of teaching reminds me of a summer session course I took at Harvard Business School that employs case-studies and cold-calling whereas my humanities professor is a captivating storyteller who can deliver 50-minute lectures that hold one's attention from the beginning to the end. Additionally, AUD offers a Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies for students who wish to do more in-depth learning of Middle Eastern language and culture.
Students on this program will have the opportunity to directly enroll at American University in Dubai. You will need to be sure that you are registered as a full time student according to AUD and Rutgers University. That means you will need to take approximately 12-17 credits while abroad.
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