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© 2026
ABU DHABI UNIVERSITY
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Disclaimer
The statements set forth in this catalog are for informational purposes only and should not be
construed as the basis of a contract between the student and Abu Dhabi University. While the
University expects to operate in keeping with the provisions set out in this catalog, it reserves the
right to change any provision listed at any point in time during the year, to best serve the academic
interest of the students. Such change may include, but is not limited to, academic requirements for
graduation. Every effort will be made to keep students informed of any such changes. Information on
changes will be circularized and kept available in the Office of the Registrar and/or each Dean’s Office.
It is important that each student be aware of his or her individual responsibility to keep apprised of
current policies and requirements.
Abu Dhabi University | Undergraduate Catalog 2026 - 2027 Abu Dhabi University | Undergraduate Catalog 2026 - 2027
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 2 %
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). ADU also
became the first institution in the region to receive Academic Accreditation from the Association for Project Management
(APM) for its Master of Project Management program.
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 thirteenth 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. In the 2027 edition, it ranked 348 globally, rising
by 43 places from the previous cycle. Moreover, ADU is ranked among QS’s top 150 universities under 50 years*, 12 in
th
the Arab World, and 4 in the UAE in the QS WUR: Arab Region 2025. In the QS by Subject Rankings 2025: Social Sciences
th
and Management climbed 110 spots to rank 178 globally. Business and Management Studies and Accounting & Finance
th
are ranked in the top 201–250 globally. Engineering and Technology made its debut, ranking within the top 386 globally.
Law entered the ranking for the first time in the top 251–300 globally. The Engineering–Mechanical, Aeronautical, and
Manufacturing program ranked 451–500 globally.
TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION (THE) WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS:
ADU is among the top 3 universities in the UAE and ranks in the top 250 globally 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
2025, it secures the 70th position. ADU an impressive performance in THE Young University Rankings 2024 for the world’s
best universities that are under 50 years old or younger, ranking 60th globally. ADU ranks 2nd in the UAE and 75th
globally for its research quality. With over 100 nationalities, ADU is ranked 5th globally and 1st across the UAE, GCC, and
Arab region for the most international university. The College of Business is ranked as the number one in the UAE and
the Arab Region and among the top 81 academic institutions in the world for business and economics. ADU’s graduates
are highly employable, ranking 3rd in the UAE for graduate employability and 222 globally (THE graduate report).
Cementing its global reputation, ADU ranks 9th globally for international outlook.
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 2021