American University in Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Founded 1995
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1995, the American University in Dubai is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Dubai (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially licensed by the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates, American University in Dubai (AUD) is a small-sized coeducational Emirati higher education institution. American University in Dubai (AUD) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.
This 29-year-old Emirati higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
AUD also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to mail, call, or visit American University in Dubai? Address, phone, and digital contact options below. Religious and cultural accommodation queries route through specific student services.
Academic Details
American University in Dubai's scale, faculty balance, and academic recognition. Staff-with-doctorate share often signals research culture more reliably than headline research output figures.
Academic Structures
American University in Dubai's teaching organisation from faculties down to institutes. Faculty websites typically list their own programme catalogue, faculty bios, and contact information separately from the central site.
Unit 7 items
- Center for English Proficiency
- Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication
- School of Architecture, Art and Design
- School of Arts and Sciences
- School of Business Administration
- School of Education
- School of Engineering
Degrees
American University in Dubai's academic qualifications, from foundation through to doctoral, are sorted below. The progression mirrors the standard study ladder used in most higher-education systems.
Bachelor's 21 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Advertising and Publicity
- Business Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Communication Arts
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Data Processing
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Finance
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Interior Design
- Journalism
- Management
- Marketing
- Photography
- Visual Arts
Master's 1 program
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Business Administration
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates.
Interior Design (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Interior Design
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Visual Communication (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts and Sciences (School) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Art Education
- Art History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- English
- French
- Islamic Studies
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Psychology
- Spanish
- Writing
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business Administration (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Marketing
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Communication Studies (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
All active programmes at American University in Dubai are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.
39 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Arab Emirates
Bachelor's Degree 24 programmes
Showing 10 of 24.
Master's Degree 9 programmes
Associate's Degree 1 programme
Postgraduate Certificate 1 programme
Postgraduate Diploma 3 programmes
How to apply to American University in Dubai
Application guidance for American University in Dubai, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
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1
Research programmes at American University in Dubai
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. American University in Dubai offers 39 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Each programme at American University in Dubai has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Lodge your application
Apply directly via American University in Dubai's online portal at www.aud.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +971 (4) 399 9000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about American University in Dubai
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about American University in Dubai, drawn directly from institutional records.
In what year was American University in Dubai established?
American University in Dubai was founded in 1995 (approximately 31 years ago).
Where is American University in Dubai located?
American University in Dubai is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Is American University in Dubai public or private?
American University in Dubai operates as a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at American University in Dubai?
Student enrolment at American University in Dubai is around 3,000-3,999.
What programmes are available at American University in Dubai?
American University in Dubai delivers bachelor's and master's programmes across its academic units.
How is American University in Dubai organised academically?
American University in Dubai has 7 academic units.
Is American University in Dubai officially recognised?
Yes, American University in Dubai is recognised by Council for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education.
Where can I learn more about American University in Dubai?
You can find American University in Dubai online at www.aud.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Arab Emirates
the United Arab Emirates's leading universities appear below, useful for benchmarking American University in Dubai's academic standing. Use this list as the upper-bound reference for academic prestige within the United Arab Emirates.
Members of Institute of International Education (IIE)
Joint conference hosting among Institute of International Education (IIE) members brings academic communities together. Students at American University in Dubai and the institutions below often share access to these network-level events.
Faculties at nearby universities
Nearby institutions to American University in Dubai often share sports, residence, and student-life facilities through regional consortia. The shared infrastructure can shape your day-to-day experience meaningfully.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Programme delivery mode varies across the Business & Management programmes listed — online, hybrid, and in-person formats differ in tuition, schedule flexibility, and credential recognition across borders.
Universities Compared with American University in Dubai
Peer universities to American University in Dubai by academic scale and prestige are listed below. These often share comparable faculty depth, research output, and graduate outcomes, making the comparison more meaningful than ranking alone.
Studying in United Arab Emirates: guides and resources
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