Our Milestones
Our Story
- 2003
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
Beginning of study at Abu Dhabi and Al Ain campuses and launch of 7 academic programs
Starting to construct the new campus in Abu Dhabi
Inaugurating the new Abu Dhabi campus
Opening of College of Engineering
Receiving the ISO 9001 certification
The first batch of ADU students graduates
Receiving Khalifa Award For Education
Launching the Doctorate of Business program
ADU receives Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award
ADU Ranked amongst Top 550 in the World
The award for “Best Supporting University for Entrepreneurship” organized by the Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Size Enterprises Development
College of Engineering programs received ABET accreditation
College of Business receives AACSB accreditation
ADU becomes the first private university in the UAE to receive WASC accreditations
College of Business becomes the first and only school of business in the UAE to receive EQUIS accreditation
Opening of new Dubai Campus
Opening of Umm El Emarat Building
Abu Dhabi University ranked in the top 2.8% universities in the world
Inauguration of the Innovation Center
Public Health program receives accreditation from APHEA
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Architecture program receives the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) validation
Opening of the new Al Ain Campus
College of Business at Abu Dhabi University chapter won Beta Gamma Sigma’s Bronze Outstanding Chapter Award
ADU & ExxonMobil team up to boost production of face shields and clips for medical sector
ADU has received an overall and online learning 5 QS Stars rating and by the prestigious Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)-Stars Rating for the year 2022
Abu Dhabi University recognized as Beta Gamma Sigma’s 2021 outstanding Gold Chapter
- 1st in UAE for the teaching pillar
- First in the UAE for graduate employability and 179 globally
- Ranked 3rd in the UAE
- Among the top 250-300 universities globally
ADU ranks as the 59th best university in 'Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings' 2023
ADU ranks as the 58th best university in the world according to 'Times Higher Education Young University Rankings' 2023
ADU ranks as the 13th top university globally in 'Times Higher Education Rankings' 2023 for best small universities
Five Engineering Faculty members Listed in The World's Top 2% of Cited Researchers for 2023
Rising by more than 100 places from last year's ranking, ADU ranked 580 in the world according to QS World University Ranking 2024
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 - COB
- 1st in the UAE & 151-200 Globally in Business and Management Studies (up 100 places)
- 2nd in the UAE & 251-300 Globally in Accounting and Finance (first-time entry)
- 1st in the UAE & 288 Globally in Social Sciences and Management (up 163 places)
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 - COE
- 401-450 Globally in Engineering: Mechanical, Aeronautical, and Manufacturing (up 50 places)
- 501-530 Globally in Engineering: Electrical and Electronic (first-time entry)
- 551-600 Globally in Computer Science & Information Systems (first-time entry)
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.
We initially launched with our College of Business and College of Arts & Sciences. The College of Engineering was opened in 2007, with the College of Law expanding our portfolio in 2016. 2017/18 saw the launch of our new campuse in Dubai. With our program offerings, we strive to anticipate the future needs of the United Arab Emirates, as well as global trends.
The founders of the University envisioned an institution that would be among the best in the United Arab Emirates, the Arabian Gulf region, and the world. We are constantly evolving, building upon our strengths to realize this vision.
