Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy

The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) is an autonomous federal diplomatic research and civil service training institute located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

It was established in 2014 by Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum through Cabinet Decree No. 29 to serve the UAE's diplomatic community by educating and training Emirati diplomats and government officials.

The academy aims to equip its students with the knowledge, multidisciplinary skills, and leadership qualities needed to effectively represent the UAE's interests on the global stage. AGDA offers graduate programs, including a Post-Graduate Diploma in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations and Master of Arts degrees in Global Affairs and Diplomatic Leadership and Humanitarian Action and Development.

Besides academic programs, the academy conducts executive training courses for diplomats and government employees, fostering strategic thinking and adapting to the evolving global diplomatic landscape.

In February 2021, following the end of his 13-year tenure as UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the academy was renamed in honor of Anwar Mohammed Gargash, a prominent Emirati politician and diplomat noted for his contributions to the country’s foreign policy. AGDA also partners with elite institutions such as Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and India's O.P. Jindal Global University to enhance its curriculum and research capabilities.

Housed in a purpose-built facility in Abu Dhabi's diplomatic district, the academy's architecture combines Arab tradition with modern design principles, emphasizing openness, collaboration, and resilience against the regional climate. AGDA serves as a key institution in shaping the UAE’s diplomatic leadership and promoting its international relations and strategic vision in a complex and interconnected global environment.