American University in the Emirates

The American University in the Emirates (AUE) is a private university located in Dubai International Academic City, United Arab Emirates. It was established in 2006 as the American College in the Emirates (ACE) and rebranded as the American University in the Emirates shortly after.

The early years saw growth challenges including a high dropout rate, but with continued support from its Board of Trustees and a commitment to academic rigor, AUE developed into a full-fledged university offering bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Its founding mission was to provide multidisciplinary, career-oriented education aligned with the US credit hour system and an American-style curriculum focusing on general education and specialized professional training.

AUE offers a wide range of programs through seven colleges, including Business Administration, Media and Mass Communications, Security and Global Studies, Computer Information Technology, Design, Law, and Education.

The university provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional development courses with an emphasis on preparing students for employability and lifelong learning. AUE is licensed and accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Commission for Academic Accreditation. Certain programs, including the Bachelor of Computer Science, have earned specialized accreditations such as from ABET, underscoring the quality of education.

Since its inception, AUE has focused on combining quality American education with local cultural values, supporting student success, retention, and resource optimization. The university promotes a diverse student body and modern facilities that support academic and extracurricular growth.

It continues to expand its academic portfolio and community engagement, positioning itself as a leading institution providing American-style higher education in the UAE and the broader Gulf region with strong ties to local industry and international academic standards.