Top Universities in Dubai and the UAE 2024-2025

Dubai and the UAE are rapidly emerging as centers of academic excellence in the Middle East, offering students a wealth of global opportunities. The UAE boasts some of the region’s top universities, providing a wide variety of programs tailored to modern educational needs. Whether you're interested in pursuing an MBA, AI engineering, or medical studies, there’s much to explore and learn in Dubai and the UAE.

Top Universities in Dubai and the UAE

The higher education landscape in Dubai and the UAE is diverse, with several institutions ranked among the top in the world. Here are the top 12 universities in the UAE, according to Times Higher Education and Forbes:

1. Khalifa University

• Website: Link
• Location: Abu Dhabi
• Global ranking: 876
• Tuition: Undergraduates, AED 2,500 per credit hour; Master’s, AED 5,000 per credit hour
• Contact: +971 2 312 3333 / +971 2 312 3703; ugadmissions@ku.ac.ae (undergraduate), pgadmissions@ku.ac.ae (postgraduate)
• Overview: A research-based institution with top-tier programs in Petroleum Engineering and numerous research centers and institutes.

2. United Arab Emirates University

• Website: Link
• Location: Al Ain
• Global ranking: 1113
• Tuition: AED 8,000 to 20,000 (UAE Nationals); AED 33,000 to 73,000 (non-UAE Nationals)
• Contact: +971 3 767 3333; servicedesk@uaeu.ac.ae
• Overview: The oldest and largest university in Abu Dhabi, known for its business courses and strong commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

3. University of Sharjah

• Website: Link
• Location: Sharjah
• Global ranking: 1253
• Tuition: AED 1,209 (Sharia Law and Islamic Studies) to AED 1,799 (Medicine and Dental Studies)
• Contact: +971 6 5585000; info@sharjah.ac.ae
• Overview: Established in 1997, offering 122 academic programs with a diverse student body representing 96 nationalities.

4. American University of Sharjah

• Website: Link
• Location: Sharjah
• Global ranking: 801-1000 (QS World University Rankings 2024)
• Tuition: AED 96,140 per year (Undergraduate)
• Contact: +971 6 515 5555; infodesk@aus.edu
• Overview: A private university that follows the American educational model, known for its programs in architecture, engineering, and business.

5. Abu Dhabi University

• Website: Link
• Location: Abu Dhabi
• Tuition: AED 46,000 – 62,000
• Contact: +971 2 501 5555; admissions@adu.ac.ae
• Overview: A private, multi-campus university with a focus on professional programs and research.

6. Zayed University

• Website: Link
• Location: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• Tuition: AED 2,500 per credit hour
• Contact: +971 2 599 3111 (Abu Dhabi); +971 4 4021111 (Dubai); info@zu.ac.ae
• Overview: Known for its innovation in fields such as media sciences and international affairs.

7. Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)

• Website: Link
• Location: Abu Dhabi
• Tuition: AED 5,000 per credit (M.Sc.); AED 6,600 per credit (Ph.D.)
• Contact: +971 2 811 3333; info@mbzuai.ac.ae
• Overview: A globally recognized institution dedicated to AI and AI engineering.

8. Heriot-Watt University, Dubai

• Website: Link
• Location: Dubai
• Tuition: AED 60,000 to AED 70,000 per year
• Contact: +971 4 571 7000; dubaienquiries@hw.ac.uk
• Overview: Offers around 100 courses, from artificial intelligence to fashion design, following the British education system.

9. Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences

• Website: Link
• Location: Dubai
• Tuition: AED 69,000 to AED 160,000 per year
• Contact: 800 MBRU (800 – 6278); info@mbru.ac.ae
• Overview: Renowned for its medical sciences programs and state-of-the-art research facilities.

10. Skyline University College

• Website: Link
• Location: Sharjah
• Tuition: USD 8,200 – USD 10,600 per year (Undergraduate); USD 7,500 – USD 9,100 per year (Masters)
• Contact: +971 6 544 1155; admissions@skylineuniversity.ac.ae
• Overview: Well-regarded in aviation, hospitality, travel, tourism, marketing, business management, and finance.

11. American University in Dubai (AUD)

• Website: Link
• Location: Dubai
• Tuition: AED 48,510 per semester (Undergraduate)
• Contact: +971 4 399 9000; admissions@aud.edu
• Overview: Known for its programs in Business Administration, Architecture, Art, and Design.

12. Sharjah University

• Website: Link
• Location: Sharjah
• Tuition: AED 1,209 to AED 1,799 per credit hour
• Contact: +971 6 5585000; info@sharjah.ac.ae
• Overview: Known for its diverse academic programs and significant research contributions.

Specialized Academic Programs

• Best AI University in Dubai: MBZUAI – Focused on AI and AI engineering.
• Best Business Schools in Dubai: Dubai Business School at AUD, London Business School (LBS).
• Engineering and Architecture: Heriot-Watt University, Dubai; American University in Dubai (AUD).
• Best Tech University in Dubai: BITS Pilani, Dubai.
• Best Law Universities in Dubai: Zayed University; The British University in Dubai.
• Best Universities for Psychology: United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain; American University of Sharjah.
• Best Medical University in Dubai: Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
• Best University for Computer Science: University of Wollongong in Dubai.
• Best Distance Learning Institution: Brillianz Group.

Studying in the UAE: FAQs

Is Studying in the UAE Expensive? Tuition fees vary widely, but many universities offer scholarships and financial aid.

Top Ranked University in Dubai American University in Dubai (AUD) is often highly ranked, alongside Zayed University, University of Wollongong in Dubai, and The British University in Dubai.

Studying with a Work Visa in Dubai Students can study on a student visa, allowing part-time work. The Work and Study Program in Dubai offers additional opportunities for work experience.

Eligibility for a UAE Student Visa Admission to a UAE-based university, proof of financial stability, and health insurance coverage are generally required.

Benefits of a Student Visa in Dubai A student visa allows part-time work, internships, and exposure to a multicultural environment.

Dubai’s commitment to becoming a pinnacle of higher education in the Middle East is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities, diverse programs, and global recognition. Whether you are an aspiring engineer, a future business leader, or an AI enthusiast, Dubai offers a robust platform for your academic and professional growth. With a strong economy and a forward-thinking approach, Dubai is an ideal place to start or enhance your career.