United Arab Emirates University Logo United Arab Emirates University

Address: United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 3 767 3333
Email: admissions@uaeu.ac.ae
Website: www.uaeu.ac.ae


United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has specific language requirements for its programs, particularly given that many courses are offered in English. Here are the general language requirements:

1. Undergraduate Programs

  • English Proficiency: For programs taught in English, applicants need to provide proof of English language proficiency. The minimum accepted scores are usually:
    • IELTS Academic: Overall score of 5.5 or higher
    • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 70
    • EmSAT English: Minimum score of 1250
  • Arabic Programs: For programs taught in Arabic, such as certain programs within the College of Law and Islamic Studies, students may not need to meet the English proficiency requirement. However, proficiency in Arabic is necessary, and international students may need to pass an Arabic language proficiency test.

2. Graduate Programs (Master’s and PhD)

  • English Proficiency for English-taught Programs:
    • IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.0 or higher (some programs may require 6.5 or higher)
    • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79 (some programs may require higher)
    • EmSAT English: Minimum score of 1400 (for some specific programs, if acceptable)
  • Arabic Proficiency for Arabic-taught Programs: Applicants to Arabic-taught programs, such as those in Arabic Studies or Islamic Studies, must demonstrate proficiency in Arabic. If an international student does not have prior qualifications in Arabic, they may need to take a proficiency test or attend preparatory courses.

3. Conditional Admission

  • UAEU may offer conditional admission to students who nearly meet the English proficiency requirements. These students are typically required to complete additional English language courses at UAEU's University Foundation Program or pass language requirements within their first semester.

4. EmSAT (Emirates Standardized Test) Requirements

  • For UAE nationals or students educated in UAE-based high schools, UAEU may also require the EmSAT test for English, math, and other subjects, depending on the program. English requirements for EmSAT vary by program, but generally, a minimum score of 1250 is expected for undergraduate and 1400 for graduate studies.

5. Additional Language Preparatory Programs

  • UAEU offers preparatory English language programs through its University Foundation Program for students who need to improve their language skills before beginning their academic programs.

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is a leading public institution in the UAE, known for its focus on high-quality education, research, and innovation. Located in Al Ain, UAEU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its nine colleges. Here are some of the course specializations:

1. College of Business and Economics

  • Specializations: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain and Logistics, Economics.
  • Key Programs: MBA, Executive MBA, PhD in Business and Economics.
  • Highlights: Strong focus on business ethics, leadership, and sustainability in business.

2. College of Engineering

  • Specializations: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Petroleum Engineering.
  • Key Programs: Bachelor’s and Master’s in Engineering disciplines, PhD programs in Engineering.
  • Highlights: Advanced research facilities and a focus on emerging technologies, such as AI, robotics, and sustainable energy.

3. College of Information Technology

  • Specializations: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Information Security.
  • Key Programs: BSc in IT, MSc in IT, PhD in IT.
  • Highlights: Known for its cybersecurity and artificial intelligence research, with cutting-edge labs and collaborations with tech companies.

4. College of Science

  • Specializations: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Geology.
  • Key Programs: BSc, MSc, and PhD programs in various science disciplines.
  • Highlights: Research-driven with emphasis on environmental sciences, biotechnology, and renewable energy.

5. College of Medicine and Health Sciences

  • Specializations: General Medicine (MBBS), Neuroscience, Public Health, Clinical Nutrition, Biomedical Sciences.
  • Key Programs: MBBS, MSc in Public Health, PhD in Medical and Health Sciences.
  • Highlights: Known for its research in healthcare, medical innovation, and a strong emphasis on practical training.

6. College of Law

  • Specializations: Civil Law, Commercial Law, International Law, Public Law, Sharia Law.
  • Key Programs: Bachelor of Law (LLB), Master’s in Private Law, Master’s in Public Law, PhD in Law.
  • Highlights: Courses emphasize UAE and Sharia law, with a growing focus on international law and legal reforms.

7. College of Education

  • Specializations: Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Educational Technology.
  • Key Programs: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, PhD in Education.
  • Highlights: Strong emphasis on educational technology, pedagogy, and leadership to address the UAE’s growing education sector needs.

8. College of Food and Agriculture

  • Specializations: Agribusiness, Food Science, Nutrition, Horticulture, Environmental Science.
  • Key Programs: BSc and MSc programs in Agricultural Sciences and Nutrition.
  • Highlights: Focus on sustainable agriculture, food safety, and nutrition, with research aligning with UAE's food security goals.

9. College of Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Specializations: Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Translation Studies, Geography, Arabic Language, History.
  • Key Programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in various humanities disciplines.
  • Highlights: Offers programs to support cultural preservation and societal development, with an emphasis on UAE’s heritage and modern societal challenges.

10. College of Graduate Studies

  • Specializations: Interdisciplinary and customized programs across UAEU's colleges.
  • Key Programs: PhD in various fields, Master’s programs in collaboration with international institutions.
  • Highlights: Fosters interdisciplinary research with an emphasis on solving real-world challenges in UAE and globally.

Research and Innovation

UAEU is highly regarded for its research institutes and centers, particularly in fields like:

  • Renewable Energy and Sustainability
  • Biotechnology
  • Cybersecurity and Data Science
  • Environmental Sciences and Water Resources

Scholarships and International Collaboration

UAEU offers scholarships for high-achieving students and has numerous partnerships with international universities and research institutions, providing students with exchange and collaborative research opportunities.

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) hosts a number of prominent professors recognized for their expertise, research contributions, and academic impact. Here are some of the top professors across various fields:

1. Professor Maamar Bettayeb – Electrical Engineering and Signal Processing

  • Expertise: Control Systems, Signal Processing, Robotics.
  • Achievements: Professor Bettayeb has made significant contributions to control theory, robotics, and signal processing. He has an extensive publication record and has worked on multiple research projects in collaboration with international institutions.
  • Impact: Known for his work in applied signal processing and control systems, his research is often applied in fields such as automation and robotics, which are highly relevant to the UAE’s innovation agenda.

2. Professor Nabil El Kadhi – Computer Science and Cybersecurity

  • Expertise: Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science.
  • Achievements: Prof. El Kadhi has been a prominent figure in cybersecurity and AI, having published extensively in cybersecurity frameworks and data privacy. He often collaborates with government agencies to strengthen cybersecurity measures in the UAE.
  • Impact: His research addresses national security concerns in cybersecurity, aligning with the UAE’s push toward digital security and AI in public services.

3. Professor Ali Almarzouqi – Chemical Engineering and Water Resources

  • Expertise: Water Treatment, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Technologies.
  • Achievements: He leads projects focused on water purification, desalination, and sustainable resource management. His work has been pivotal in advancing sustainable water treatment solutions suited to arid regions like the UAE.
  • Impact: Prof. Almarzouqi’s research supports the UAE’s focus on water security and sustainability, critical to the region's long-term environmental goals.

4. Professor Hassan Arafat – Environmental Engineering

  • Expertise: Desalination, Membrane Technology, Sustainable Engineering.
  • Achievements: Recognized internationally for his work on membrane technologies and sustainable water treatment, Prof. Arafat is highly cited in environmental engineering journals.
  • Impact: His research in desalination technologies contributes directly to UAE’s water security goals, which is a crucial aspect of the country’s environmental and sustainability initiatives.

5. Professor Naif Al-Mutawa – Psychology and Mental Health

  • Expertise: Clinical Psychology, Cross-Cultural Psychology.
  • Achievements: Prof. Al-Mutawa is internationally recognized for his work in clinical psychology and has received awards for his approach to mental health in the Middle Eastern context.
  • Impact: His research and clinical expertise have a significant influence on the development of mental health programs in the UAE, supporting government-led initiatives to improve psychological well-being.

6. Professor Ali Mansour – Business and Economics

  • Expertise: Macroeconomics, Economic Development, Financial Markets.
  • Achievements: Prof. Mansour has published widely on economic policies, financial markets, and economic development strategies relevant to the Gulf region.
  • Impact: His work is influential in shaping economic policies and strategies in the UAE, aligning with the nation’s goals of economic diversification and Vision 2030.

7. Professor Nidal Hilal – Chemical and Environmental Engineering

  • Expertise: Water Desalination, Membrane Filtration Technology, Nanotechnology.
  • Achievements: Prof. Hilal is globally known for his groundbreaking work in desalination and water treatment, and he has published extensively in high-impact journals.
  • Impact: His research aligns with UAE’s priority on water sustainability and is instrumental in advancing technologies for desalination and wastewater treatment in the region.

8. Professor Rashid Khan – Agricultural Science and Food Security

  • Expertise: Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security, Soil Science.
  • Achievements: Prof. Khan’s work focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, food security, and soil improvement, especially for arid climates.
  • Impact: His research in sustainable agriculture and food security supports UAE’s national food security strategy, critical for a desert nation aiming for self-sufficiency in food production.

9. Professor Fawzi Banat – Chemical Engineering

  • Expertise: Renewable Energy, Water Desalination, Environmental Management.
  • Achievements: Known for his work in renewable energy and sustainable water resource management, Prof. Banat has developed several techniques for improving water desalination efficiency.
  • Impact: His contributions directly support the UAE's goals for sustainable energy and water solutions, vital for the country’s green strategy and energy innovation initiatives.

10. Professor Amr Ahmed – Law and Sharia

  • Expertise: Islamic Law, Comparative Law, International Law.
  • Achievements: Prof. Ahmed has extensive publications and contributions in Islamic Law, especially in areas intersecting with international law.
  • Impact: His work is pivotal in modernizing legal studies in the UAE, integrating Sharia with contemporary legal frameworks, and fostering a greater understanding of UAE’s legal landscape in an international context.

These professors are instrumental not only in advancing their respective fields but also in addressing key national priorities in line with the UAE's Vision 2030, focusing on sustainability, digital transformation, and economic development.

As of now, no faculty member from United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has been awarded a Nobel Prize. However, the university has established strong research programs and collaborative initiatives, particularly in areas like water desalination, renewable energy, environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, and public health, which align with fields that have historically been recognized by the Nobel Prizes.

UAEU's commitment to impactful research, particularly in addressing regional and global challenges, positions it as a notable institution in the MENA region. The university has also welcomed several Nobel laureates as visiting lecturers and collaborators through international partnerships, providing students and faculty with valuable exposure to world-renowned research and ideas.

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) was founded by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1976 – the oldest and largest university in the UAE.

UAEU is located in Al Ain – also known as the city of the Oasis which features their iconic green hilly-park and their highest mountain, Green Mubazzara and Jebel Hafeet. Here you can enjoy a light hike, a picnic and go for a dip in the park’s natural hot springs.

UAEU is also known as a comprehensive, research-intensive university committed to innovation and excellence in teaching and research.

The university currently enrolls approximately 14,000 students from 64 countries.

As the UAE’s flagship university, UAEU offers a full range of internationally accredited, high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs through nine colleges : Business and Economics, Science, Education, Engineering, Food and Agriculture, Humanities and Social Science, IT, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences.

The university has established research centers which are advancing knowledge in critical areas ranging from water resources to cancer treatments.

UAEU’s Science and Innovation Park works alongside business, industry, and public institutions to provide the nation with innovative research solutions while employing highly innovative graduates.

UAEU promotes independent thinking based on academic excellence. The university employs some of the world’s leading academics whose research feeds into their teaching, thus creating a dynamic, engaging, and inspiring learning environment. The success of UAEU is driven by its exceptional staff, students and alumni, underpinned by modern curricula, visionary research projects, and an outstanding network of international collaborations with companies, organizations, and other academic institutions. 

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is renowned for several reasons:

1. National and Regional Prestige

  • UAEU is the first and oldest university in the UAE, established in 1976 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. It has since grown into the nation's flagship university, known as the UAE’s premier institution for higher education.
  • It consistently ranks among the top universities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and is often listed in international university rankings, highlighting its role as a leader in the region's higher education.

2. Research Excellence

  • UAEU is recognized as a research-driven institution, especially in areas like renewable energy, water resources, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cybersecurity. It has well-equipped research centers that attract global experts and foster significant scientific contributions aligned with the UAE’s national priorities.
  • It hosts several research centers of national importance, including the Zayed Center for Health Sciences, the National Water Center, and the Emirates Institute for Advanced Science and Technology.

3. Innovation and Technology Integration

  • Known as the UAE’s “University of the Future,” UAEU is at the forefront of integrating technology and innovation into its curricula. Its programs are tailored to equip students with the skills necessary for a digital economy, with an emphasis on fields such as AI, robotics, data science, and smart city technologies.
  • The university promotes entrepreneurship and startup culture through initiatives like its Science and Innovation Park, which provides a launchpad for students to develop tech-based solutions and entrepreneurial ventures.

4. Diverse and Inclusive Environment

  • UAEU has a highly diverse student and faculty body, drawing students from over 60 countries and fostering a multicultural environment. Its inclusive campus culture promotes global perspectives and collaboration, a unique aspect in the region.
  • The university offers strong support for international students, including scholarships, exchange programs, and English-taught courses to ease integration and enhance learning experiences.

5. Programs Aligned with UAE Vision 2030

  • UAEU aligns its academic programs and research with UAE Vision 2030 and UAE Centennial 2071, focusing on sustainable development, knowledge-based economy goals, and leadership in sectors like space, medicine, engineering, and technology.
  • UAEU partners with UAE government entities and industries to provide real-world experience, enhance job prospects, and shape a workforce ready for the demands of the evolving UAE economy.

6. Global Partnerships and Recognition

  • UAEU collaborates with several international universities (e.g., University of Cambridge, Stanford University) and research organizations worldwide, enhancing its global research impact and academic standards.
  • It is recognized globally for its contributions, ranking in QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings. It also received praise from international educational bodies for its cutting-edge research facilities and strong programs.

7. High Employability of Graduates

  • UAEU graduates are highly sought after due to the university's strong emphasis on career-readiness, with over 90% of graduates finding employment within the first year. UAEU’s programs emphasize practical skills, industry collaboration, and career counseling, preparing students well for the competitive job market.

8. State-of-the-Art Campus

  • UAEU has a modern campus in Al Ain equipped with advanced facilities, including specialized research labs, innovation hubs, and sports centers. The campus infrastructure supports UAEU's mission to provide a holistic learning experience.