The American University in the Emirates is set to embark on the 2026-2027 academic year by launching 14 new graduate and undergraduate programmes, alongside the establishment of a College of Desert and Mountain Studies. This initiative aims to align with the rapid transformations in the job market and to enhance the university’s presence in future-oriented disciplines, coinciding with its 20th anniversary celebration.
Significant Expansion in Academic Offerings
During a press conference held at its campus in the Dubai Academic City, attended by the university president, Board of Trustees members, and representatives from various media outlets, it was revealed that the university currently has approximately 2,800 students, with Emirati students making up 68% of the student body. This highlights the prominent involvement of local students in its academic community.
The university also outlined the contours of its new academic expansion, which includes a mix of established fields and innovative areas related to artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, mechatronics, digital media, and healthcare.
Introducing 14 New Programmes
The new programmes will commence in the 2026-2027 academic year, as part of a strategy to enhance the university’s academic portfolio and directly connect higher education outcomes with the needs of professional and economic sectors. The focus remains on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application and scientific research.
Dr. Muthana Abdul Razzaq, President of the American University in the Emirates, emphasised the importance of continually evolving academic programmes to empower students in choosing educational pathways that align with the changing demands of the future. He noted that selecting a field of study not only influences a student’s academic journey but also marks the beginning of their professional career.
Advanced Doctoral Programmes
The new offerings include five doctoral programmes: PhD in Digital Media and Political Communication, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), PhD in Law, Doctor of Leadership and Public Administration (DLPA), and PhD in Security and Global Studies. These programmes aim to expand advanced study pathways and research in rapidly evolving fields, particularly in media, technology, business, law, and security, while enhancing researchers’ capability to produce knowledge that addresses real-world challenges.
Master’s Degrees Focused on Modern Needs
At the master’s level, the university will launch five new programmes, which include a Master of Architecture, Master of Education, Master of Strategic Communication and Public Relations, Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and Master of Science in Business Intelligence. These new specialisations reflect a commitment to balancing traditional academic and professional fields with those related to the digital economy, especially considering the growing reliance on data, AI, and modern technologies across diverse sectors.
Undergraduate Programmes in Key Sectors
At the undergraduate level, four new bachelor’s programmes have been introduced: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics, and Bachelor of Engineering in Cybersecurity. This expansion aims to enhance the academic offerings in three critical sectors: healthcare, engineering, and technology, responding to a rising demand for qualified professionals in these fields and linking academic pathways with shifts in job markets and required skills.
Establishment of the College of Desert and Mountain Studies
In an innovative academic initiative, the university has received approval from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) to begin establishing the College of Desert and Mountain Studies. This college is set to offer specialised programmes at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, focusing on challenges and opportunities related to desert and mountain environments.
The college aims to prepare national competencies and leaders adept at addressing the characteristics and needs of these unique environments, thereby supporting relevant governmental and industrial sectors in the region. This academic expansion connects directly with the environmental and geographical attributes of the UAE and the surrounding areas.
Dr. Muthana Abdul Razzaq announced that the new academic programmes have received preliminary accreditation from the CAA in the UAE, as well as approval from the American institutional accrediting body, SACS COC.
More than 50 Professional Programmes
The university’s expansion also encompasses academic degrees and beyond, boasting an executive education and professional training system that includes over 50 accredited programmes by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai. These programmes are designed to enhance professionals’ skills, elevate their competencies, and support their career advancement.