Page 3 - Undergraduate Handbook 2024-25

3

NATIONAL ACCREDITATION:
Abu Dhabi University is licensed by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education, and all of its degree programs have
received accreditation by the Ministry of Education, Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and Knowledge
and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION:
ADU is the only national private University in the UAE and was one of the youngest in the world under 15 years old to
receive international academic accreditation from the “Western Association of Schools and Colleges: Senior College and
University Commission - WSCUC”. ADU’s international accreditation is for a period of 6 years, and was awarded for the
University’s success in upholding the highest international academic standards of higher education institutions worldwide
in teaching, scientific research and community service and for its commitment to three core values: student learning and
success outcomes, quality and improvement, and institutional integrity, sustainability and accountability.
ADU’s College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the
prestigious EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) for all its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Only 1%
of business schools worldwide have this double accreditation. Additionally, the College of Engineering has also earned
the accreditation of the world-renowned Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) and Computing Accreditation
Commission (CAC) of ABET for six of its engineering programs. ADU houses the only architecture program to hold
accreditation by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The College of Health Sciences has earned accreditation
from the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA). Our Aviation Department in particular has also
received the accreditation as an Authorized Training Center (ATC) from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
SHEIKH KHALIFA EXCELLENCE AWARD (SKEA):
In 2010, Abu Dhabi University outdid a large number of industrial and developmental institutions in the country and
became the first higher education institution to win the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award for pursuing excellence
in all of its operations while achieving its primary strategic objectives and goals.
MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM BUSINESS AWARDS:
At the conclusion of The World Entrepreneurship Forum 2013, Abu Dhabi University was awarded “Best Supporting
University for Entrepreneurship” in the UAE and the Arab World during the Mohammed Bin Rashid Award for Young
Business Leaders in its 8th cycle. Organized by the Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Size
Enterprises Development, the awards held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recognize individuals and organizations who
contribute to the development of SME sectors in the country, which earned ADU this significant achievement.
QUACQUARELLI SYMONDS (QS):
For the eleventh year in a row, Abu Dhabi University has been ranked as a top higher education institution in the
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings since 2012-2013. This year, it ranked 501 globally, rising by 79
spots from the previous cycle. Moreover, ADU also ranked in QS’s top 150 leading institutions under 50 years, the top 23
rd
universities in the Arab World, and the top 7 in the UAE. Abu Dhabi University has also received a 5 QS Stars rating for
2022. ADU’s Business and Management Studies climbed 100 spots in the QS by subject rankings and is now ranked 151-
st
200 globally and 1 nationally. ADU’s accounting and Finance has made an impressive debut ranking 251- 300 globally and
2 in the UAE. The Social Sciences and Management program ranked 288 globally and 1 in the UAE, rising by 163 places,
nd
st
while the Engineering-Mechanical, Aeronautical, and Manufacturing program ranked 401- 450 globally and 5 in the UAE.
th
TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION (THE) WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS:
ADU is among the top 3 universities in the UAE and ranks globally at 251-300 while also ranking 101-125 globally for World
Reputation. It holds the number one position in the UAE for the teaching pillar. In the prestigious THE Asia Ranking, it
secures the 89 position. ADU an impressive performance in THE Young University Rankings 2023 for the world’s best
th
th
universities that are under 50 years old or younger, ranking 60 globally. ADU ranks 2 in the UAE and 192 globally for its
nd
research quality. With over 100 nationalities, ADU is ranked 2 globally for the most international university. The College of
nd
Business is ranked as the number one in the UAE and the Arab Region and among the top 101-125 academic institutions
in the world for business and economics. ADU’s graduates are highly employable, ranking first in the UAE for graduate
employability (THE graduate report). Cementing its global reputation, ADU ranks 9 globally for international outlook.
th
THE BIZZ AWARDS:
Organized by the World Confederation of Businesses (WORLDCOB), the prestigious Bizz award recognizes companies
and organizations for innovation, business excellence and outstanding management performance, making Abu Dhabi
University one of the first higher education institutions to ever receive the Bizz award in the Middle East region for three
years running, including the recognition of the “Inspirational Company” in the Bizz Awards 2012.
*QS World University Rankings
Abu Dhabi University | Undergraduate Handbook 2024 - 2025