History
The journey began in 2000 with the development of the Charter of Abu Dhabi University by his Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. After three years of planning - and following accreditation for all programs by what is now known as the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), UAE Ministry of Education - we opened our doors to 1,000 students across two campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Education
With five Colleges offering over 50 undergraduate and postgraduate programs, campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Al Dhafra Region, and multiple affiliations with globally renowned institutions, a UAE-wide, truly international quality education is guaranteed for all of our students.
Research
Abu Dhabi University is committed to the highest standards of research and innovation. The promotion of nationally and internationally competitive research is a core strategic goal, supporting the United Arab Emirates in making a significant contribution in a globally competitive environment in line with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Vision.
We endeavor to conduct research that is:
- Meaningful to the individual academic
- Responsible and responsive to the needs of society
- Creative, innovative, and academically rigorous. ADU rewards risk-taking in the pursuit of excellence and offers the infrastructure to support this
Career
The Employability and Alumni Relations Office (EARO) is part of the Student Affairs Department, providing career and alumni services for ADU students and graduates.
EARO provides several employability services including but not limited to the following:
- Employability guidance
- Employability events
- Our Internship program, which is part of your graduation requirements, provides you with the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge with practical work experience.
- On-campus Student Employment Program Provides on-campus part-time employment to eligible students who wish to work and acquire valuable work experience while studying at ADU.
Short Courses
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2024
580 71
2023
651 50
2022
701
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2024
201 100
2023
301
2022
-
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Student services
Counselling services are available to all ADU students. Counselling needs may concern academic or personal issues, and anything that may affect your academic success.
We also educate students on academic and interpersonal issues, assess and provide arrangements for special needs students, and offer assistance in the case of personal emergencies.
Our counselling services are, of course, completely confidential. You can rest assured that anything discussed with the student counsellor will not be discussed with anyone else.
Housing services
Discover different cultures, meet new people, and establish life-long friendships with all the conveniences of home in Abu Dhabi University's accommodation. Our segregated facilities are perfectly located on campus with access to a range of recreational facilities, shopping centers and food outlets. There is transportation for shopping trips, and other public transportation facilities are also available and easy to use.
Type of Residence in Abu Dhabi Campus- Private Single Occupancy with Bath and Kitchen
- Semi-Private Single Occupancy with shared Bath and Kitchen
- Double Occupancy with Bath and Kitchen
- Double Shared Occupancy with Shared Bath and Kitchen
Library services
The mission of the Abu Dhabi University Library is to serve the Abu Dhabi University students, faculty, staff, and the community. It is the intent of the library to provide access to the information needed to support and develop learning, teaching, and research.
ICT services
Wireless internet connection and computer labs throughout the campus complex provide students with convenient access to the latest technology and the internet.
Medical services
Students under ADU sponsorship, and all international and GCC students requiring health insurance, should apply through the Student Support Office in the Student Affairs Department.
Campus life
- Abu Dhabi Campus
Abu Dhabi University’s flagship campus is located in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi – the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This purpose-built, 368,000 sqm facility, opened in 2006, offers an inspirational place for study and extra-curricular activities alike.
- Al Ain Campus
- Abu Dhabi University’s Al Ain campus was opened in 2003 to meet the growing higher education needs of the Al Ain community and surrounding area.
- Dubai Campus
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) launched its brand new, state‐of‐the art Dubai campus in 2017.
- Al Dhafra Center
Opened for intake in Spring 2018, Al Dhafra Center is the fourth facility in ADU’s expanding portfolio.
Sports facilities
ADU’s sports and wellness programs provide you with opportunities for fun and fitness and complement your academic experience. By joining our sports teams you will get the opportunity to build valuable relationships with your peers, as well as develop leadership and teamworking skills.
We offer a wide variety of sports activities, with professional coaches to inspire a passion for the sport and help you maximize your athletic potential. For those who do not want to play competitively, we host a series of friendly matches and tournaments on campus.
The following sporting facilities are available at the Abu Dhabi campus:
- Football pitches
- Cricket Fields
- Basketball Court
- Volleyball Court
- Tennis Courts
- Gyms
Student clubs
Student clubs play a key role in university life and we encourage you to join as many as you like. Student clubs give you the opportunity to meet like-minded people and develop friendships, contribute to the community, gain experience, develop leadership skills, and also have a lot of fun. We also encourage you to establish your own clubs and societies relating to your personal interests.
The number of clubs is always expanding.- ADU Hands Club
- Anime Club
- Architecture & Design Club
- Art & Design Club
- Aviation Club
- Chess Club
- Chinese Club
- Cricket Club
- Desi Club
- Egyptian club
- Emirati Club
- eSports Club
- Green Club
- Ihsan Club
- Iraqi Club
- Japanese Club
- Jordanian Club
- Korean Club
- Moroccan Club
- Music Club
Abu Dhabi University is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In addition, our College of Business is both EQUIS and AACSB accredited. Only 1% of business schools worldwide have this double accreditation.