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.
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.
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:
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:
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
By TopUniversities
Climbed 43 places compared to 2026
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.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 501 | 391 | 348 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
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.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 191 | 201 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By U.S. News & World Report
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | 673 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
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.
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 CampusThe 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.
Wireless internet connection and computer labs throughout the campus complex provide students with convenient access to the latest technology and the internet.
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.
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.
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) launched its brand new, state‐of‐the art Dubai campus in 2017.
Opened for intake in Spring 2018, Al Dhafra Center is the fourth facility in ADU’s expanding portfolio.
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:
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.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.
Based on 100 reviews
My overall study experience has been very positive and rewarding. I learned many new skills and gained valuable knowledge throughout the course. The lessons were interesting, and the teachers were supportive and encouraging. What I liked the most was the friendly learning environment and the practical activities, which made learning easier and more enjoyable. I also had the opportunity to improve my confidence and communication skills by working with others. One thing that could be improved is providing more practical sessions and additional study materials. More revision classes before exams would also help students prepare better.
The overall environment at this university is really positive. A lot of athletes choose to study here because of the excellent sports facilities and multiple grounds available. The courses are well detailed and practical, which really helps when it comes to finding job opportunities in the region. That said, balancing assignments with internships can be challenging at times, as coursework can be quite demanding. Overall, it�s a good place to study, especially if you value strong facilities and career-focused programs.
Studying at Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has been such a great experience so far. The professors are amazing � they really know their stuff and make classes interesting and easy to follow. They�re also super supportive whenever I need help. The campus is modern and comfortable, with great facilities like the library, labs, and study areas that make learning so much easier. I also love how diverse the community is � I�ve met people from all over the world, and it�s helped me learn so much about different cultures and ideas. Since joining ADU, I�ve had the chance to work on research projects, take part in student clubs, and really improve my teamwork and problem-solving skills ADU truly lives up to its reputation as a hub for excellence in education.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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