Sheikh Nahyan Al Nahyan Inaugurates Abu Dhabi University’s New Campus in Dubai Knowledge Park

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and President of the Board of Regents of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development and Vice-President of ADU’s Board of Regents, inaugurated the University’s new campus at Dubai Knowledge Park.

The ceremony drew the participation of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Director of the East Asia and Pacific Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Dr Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, as well as other dignitaries, education sector government officials and various industry leaders.

His Excellency Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of ADU’s Executive Board, and Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), were also in attendance.

Preceding the official inauguration, the new 3,490-square-meter campus commenced its semester in early September with students starting classes across five internationally accredited postgraduate programs. These include the Master of Education in Educational Leadership, Master of Engineering Management, Master of Project Management, Master of Business Administration, and the Doctorate of Business Administration.

Commenting on the occasion, H.E Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan explained that the inauguration of its Dubai campus further complements Abu Dhabi University’s success story. “Since its inception in 2003, the University has worked relentlessly to achieve local and international recognition and accomplishments that contribute to enhancing the stature of the higher education system in the UAE and contribute to the nation’s efforts in becoming the region’s preferred destination for world-class higher education. These achievements would not have been possible without the patronage and support of our wise leadership represented by H.H Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, as well as Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates,” said H.E Sheikh Nahyan.

He added: “The dynamic developments that the UAE's educational sector is witnessing today articulate our leadership’s vision in ensuring that the nation’s higher education institutions implement best international practices to rival their prestigious counterparts from around the world. This approach elevates the standards of our educational processes and improves outcomes of teaching, scientific research, and community service, thereby allowing our colleges and universities to contribute to the UAE’s sustainable economic growth for future generations.”

Praising the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan pointed out that the President of ADU’s Board of Regents has always been keen on promoting the University’s academic excellence locally, regionally and globally. He said: “Throughout its 15-year-long academic journey, Abu Dhabi University has earned a wealth of international accolades, such as its ranking among the top 2.8 percent of universities worldwide and among the world's Top 150 under 50 in Quacquarelli Symonds’ QS World University Rankings 2018.”

ADU also placed third in the International Faculty Index and ninth on the International Student Index, surpassing approximately 26,000 universities globally. The University’s earlier achievements include earning global institutional recognition and international academic accreditation from Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Furthermore, ADU's College of Business holds international accreditation for all its programs from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the prestigious EQUIS accreditation from the European Foundation for Management and Development (EFMD). In addition, its College of Engineering has earned the accreditation from the world-renowned Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) and Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) at the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

For his part, His Excellency Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri said: “ADU’s expansion aligns with its strategic commitment to academic excellence and continuous growth. The move will strengthen the University’s role as an institution dedicated to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge and preparing the nation’s future generations of leaders and qualified cadres who are specialized in various academic disciplines.”

He pointed out that the University’s Dubai campus supports sustainable economic development in Dubai. In this context, ADU’s decision to offer master’s and doctorate programs at the Dubai campus was based on intensive studies that identified current and future market needs, as well as the growing demand for high-quality postgraduate programs that cater to students and working professionals pursuing locally and internationally accredited degrees in business, engineering, and education.

ADU’s new campus at Dubai Knowledge Park is equipped with cutting-edge technologies and features an electronic library that enables students to access online resources from ADU and its global academic partners. 

Since its inception, more than 12,000 students have graduated from ADU. Many of them currently occupy leading positions within the public and private sectors. The University has witnessed a steady increase in student enrollment. Out of its current roster of around 7,650 students, 47.6 percent are Emiratis, while the rest constitutes students from over 70 nationalities.