We are a private, multi-campus university committed to providing an engaging learning environment, quality education and qualifications that are respected worldwide.
Top university in the world as per the 2026 QS Ranking
Leading private university
Abu Dhabi University is the largest private university in the UAE and is committed to becoming the institution of choice for students across all Emirates and more widely in the region.
We are one of the region’s leading academic institutions and among the top 3
universities in the UAE, 70th in Asia and in the top 200 globally
according to the Times Higher Rankings. We hold the number one position in the
UAE for the teaching pillar according to the same ranking, aligning with the
UAE Government’s National Agenda to provide internationally accredited academic
programs and impactful research. We take pride in ranking 4th in the UAE and
172 globally for our research quality.
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, we rank 391 globally, advancing 110 places compared to the previous year and 5 in the UAE.
Committed to becoming the best institution
Our profile
Abu Dhabi University is committed to becoming the best institution of its kind in the region. We are a private, multi-campus university committed to meeting the education, skills and knowledge needs in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries through qualifications and standards that are respected across the world.
Although young, the University is recognized as a world-class institution committed to excellence in teaching, student experience, research and corporate education. We are regularly featured in the QS rankings as among the best higher education institutions in the region. We have jumped 11 places in the QS World University Rankings: Arab Region 2025 ranking 12th in the Arab Region. We hold prestigious international accreditations for the institution as a whole, for particular fields of provision, and for specific programs.
Being rated by the Times Higher Education for Highest Proportion of International Students as 2nd regionally and 14th globally, we consider diversity to be among our key strengths. Alongside the well-established campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, we have a campus in Dubai Knowledge Park.
Established in 2003, Abu Dhabi University has over 8,700 students across its campuses and corporate programs. Structured into Colleges of Arts, Education and Social Sciences, Business, Engineering, Law and Health Sciences, we offer undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, law, education, business and management, engineering and sciences, including to trainees and personnel of the UAE military.
Abu Dhabi University
Top University in UAE
50
Programs
Multiple Programs
Discover over 50 internationally accredited post-graduate and undergraduate programs.
Why accreditation matters
Accreditations
University accreditation is a quality assurance process under which programs are evaluated by an external body. If required standards are met accredited status is granted. A qualification from an accredited university gives you a competitive advantage in the job market. Abu Dhabi University’s extensive accreditation credentials demonstrate robust quality standards at both a national and international level, guaranteeing you a qualification that is recognized globally.
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 2% of business schools worldwide have this double accreditation.
At a program level, our College of Engineering has received international accreditation from the world-renowned ABET for many of its engineering programs, and the Bachelor of Architecture has received Part 1 validation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
