ADU Expands Dubai Campus with 8 New Undergraduate Programs for 2027

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has announced a major expansion of its Dubai campus academic offering with the introduction of eight new undergraduate programmes across four colleges, beginning in Fall 2027. The move significantly broadens the campus’s portfolio and creates new pathways for students seeking high-quality undergraduate education in Dubai.

The new programmes span business, engineering, arts and social sciences, and law. They include a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), BBA in Digital Marketing Communications, BBA in Finance and Fintech, Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Artificial Intelligence Engineering, BSc in Cybersecurity Engineering, Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Relations, BA in Psychology, and Bachelor of Law. Together, these degrees will expand opportunities in emerging technologies, established professions and disciplines that support the UAE’s economic and social development.

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said the expansion reflects the university’s commitment to preparing graduates for the opportunities ahead as Dubai consolidates its position as a global centre for business, innovation and talent.

“As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global centre for business, innovation and talent, universities have an increasingly important role in preparing graduates for the opportunities ahead,” Professor Aouad stated. “Our expansion in Dubai reflects ADU’s commitment to making high-quality education accessible to a broader student community, while equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the UAE’s evolving economy. Through these new programmes, we aim to support the development of future-ready talent in line with the ambitions of Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33.”

The announcement builds on ADU’s rising international standing. This year the university ranked among the world’s top 325 institutions in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and placed 9th among 322 academic institutions in the region in the latest QS Arab Region University Rankings.

Dr Anas Najdawi, Director of ADU’s Dubai Campus, described the introduction of undergraduate programmes as an important new chapter for the campus.

“The introduction of these undergraduate programmes represents an important new chapter for our Dubai campus,” Dr Najdawi said. “Having established a strong foundation in postgraduate education, we are now expanding the opportunities available to students at an earlier stage of their academic journey. Our ambition is to build a dynamic learning community where students can benefit from ADU’s academic expertise, engage with industry and develop the skills and confidence to pursue their professional aspirations.

As we expand, we will continue to align our academic offerings with the evolving needs of our strategic partners in Dubai, while supporting the objectives of Dubai’s Education 33 (E33) strategy to deliver learner-centric education and equip students with the skills needed for the future. We look forward to welcoming a new generation of undergraduate students to our Dubai campus.”

Established in 2017, ADU’s Dubai campus is located in Dubai Knowledge Park and occupies an 8,000-square-metre educational facility. Until now the campus has focused primarily on postgraduate education, providing a technology-driven learning environment designed to support academic development and professional growth. The addition of undergraduate programmes will further strengthen its position as a destination for students seeking internationally recognised higher education in Dubai.

To support access, scholarships of up to 50 per cent will be available to eligible students enrolling in the new undergraduate programmes.

Abu Dhabi University was established in 2003 and operates campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai. It currently serves more than 10,000 students from over 100 nationalities across five colleges offering more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programmes in arts, education, social sciences, business, engineering, health sciences and law.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, ADU ranks in the top 325 globally and second in the UAE and GCC for research quality, placing 66th worldwide in that category. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, the university ranks 348th globally and fifth in the UAE, having risen 43 places from the previous year. It also ranks third in the UAE for Employer Reputation.

ADU’s College of Business holds the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, placing it among a select group of business schools worldwide that hold all three. The university maintains institutional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Senior College and University Commission (WASC) and continues to develop international collaborations with leading academic institutions and public and private sector organisations.

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The new undergraduate offering at the Dubai campus aligns with national and emirate-level strategies focused on future skills, innovation and economic diversification. By introducing programmes in artificial intelligence engineering, cybersecurity engineering and fintech alongside traditional disciplines such as law, psychology and international relations, ADU aims to produce graduates equipped for both emerging technology sectors and established professional fields.

Prospective students interested in the new programmes can find further details at www.adu.ac.ae. The university has indicated that applications for the Fall 2027 intake will open in due course, with scholarship opportunities forming a key part of its access strategy.

The expansion marks a clear next step in ADU’s growth in Dubai, moving the campus from a postgraduate-focused institution to a comprehensive higher education destination that serves students from undergraduate level through to advanced study. With its location in Dubai Knowledge Park, strong industry links and rising global rankings, the university is positioning itself to meet rising demand for quality, future-oriented education in one of the region’s most dynamic cities.