We are a private, multi-campus university committed to providing an engaging learning environment, quality education and qualifications that are respected world-wide.
As the newly appointed Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, I am honored to take the helm of an institution that sets such high standards for excellence and is dedicated to transforming society and the economy through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, as well as the development of our undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students. Furthermore, I am proud to lead the largest private university in the UAE, boasting four campuses, each providing a unique and dynamic learning environment for our students.
ADU is a renowned institution, sitting among the elite ranks of the top 200 universities globally according to Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. We stand tall to be recognized as one of the top three universities in the UAE and the best in teaching in the UAE, with a reputation that speaks for itself. Our international outlook is also highly regarded, being ranked among the top 13 globally by THE.
Our consistent year-over-year increase in Scopus-indexed publications, with a total of 3300 to date, is reflected in our esteemed global ranking for research excellence. Such commitment to research is evident in our ranking of 172 globally and 4th in the UAE for research quality, a testament to the excellence of our faculty and students. Additionally, Abu Dhabi University’s Business and Economics subjects have been ranked first in the UAE and in the Arab Region and among the elite 101-125 academic institutions in the 2024 THE World University Rankings by Subject. To top it all, the QS Stars Rating has awarded us the highest possible rating of 5 stars, a reflection of the quality of our education, facilities, and services. We are in the top 150 under 50 years of age (QS Rankings 2021).
ADU has recently been ranked as the 89th best university in all of Asia. Additionally, we have made an impressive performance in THE Young University Rankings 2025, securing the 60th position globally among the world's best universities under 50 years old or younger. Furthermore, according to the 2025 edition of the QS World University Rankings, ADU has climbed 79 spots compared to the previous year, currently holding the 501 position worldwide and 12th in the Arab Region, marking an impressive leap of 11 places. This achievement marks our highest-ranking since 2014, solidifying ADU as the seventh-best university in the UAE. We take pride in our diverse community, with 59.9% of our students being international students, earning us the 14th position globally and second place in both the UAE and the MENA region for the highest proportion of international students, according to the prestigious Times Higher Education Rankings for Highest Proportion of International Students 2024.
At ADU, we are committed to providing an exceptional student experience that extends beyond graduation and to supporting our students to develop into career-ready professionals. Our state-of-the-art facilities, including our purpose-built, world-class campus in the Garden City of Al Ain, provide the ideal environment for learning and growth. Our numerous international accreditations, including AACSB, EQUIS, ABET, RIBA, and APHEA, as well as our national and international accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in the United States, ensures that your ADU degree will be recognized and respected by employers and higher education institutions worldwide.
We are also committed to fostering a culture of excellence through our research and teaching partnerships with some of the world’s leading institutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, South Asia, and Australasia. Our partnerships with industry, government departments, and public services ensure that our graduates have the knowledge and skills to pursue productive careers and that our research addresses significant current challenges.
We take great pride in the achievements of our alumni and their impact in the workforce. Our graduates are highly sought after by employers, as evidenced by our ranking as the most employable university in the UAE according to Times Higher Education's annual Graduate Employability Rankings. We are dedicated to building and strengthening our connection with our graduates through the ADU Alumni Academy, which provides professional development opportunities, career guidance, and networking opportunities.
As Chancellor, it is my goal to bring together the talents and potentials of our students and faculty to elevate ADU's reputation and make a positive impact on the economy and society in the UAE and beyond. I will ensure that your experience at ADU is exceptional and that you will reach your full academic potential, acquire the skills and qualifications for a successful career, and develop into a well-rounded and productive citizen. You will be part of a diverse community, with students, faculty, and staff from over 100 countries, where you will learn from and connect with talented individuals from around the world.
I look forward to welcoming you to Abu Dhabi University and being a part of your academic journey to excellence.
Sincerely
Professor Ghassan Aouad
Chancellor, Abu Dhabi University
Follows transparent processes
Governance
Abu Dhabi University’s governance follows transparent processes in line with international standards. The structure consists of the Board of Trustees, our Leadership Team, and associated standing committees. The boards and committees work with Abu Dhabi University’s management team to support the achievement of the University’s strategic vision and mission.
Board of Trustees
Abu Dhabi University is privileged to have a number of the UAE’s prominent business leaders on our Board of Trustees. Although the Board is honorary, it plays a key role in providing feedback on all strategic matters related to the sustainability of the University. Areas of consultation include the financial, political, and overall policy direction of the University.
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Leadership Team
The Leadership Team is the primary decision-making body of Abu Dhabi University. It meets a minimum of four times per year to review everything from strategic and operational plans to policies, budgets, and special initiatives.
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Standing Committees
There are a number of standing committees that are responsible for overseeing several areas relevant to the sustainable management of the University. Members of these committees are drawn from the Board of Directors and additional members with special skill sets may be invited to serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. All of these committees report back to the Board of Directors.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee (AC) is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the internal audit process for the University, including the development of the annual audit plan. Audit reports are submitted to the Board of Directors on a regular basis.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee (FC) oversees all aspects related to the financial management of the University including the budget process, financial aspects of strategic initiatives, advice on fundraising, and direction on financial implications of policies and plans.
Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee
The Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee (GNRC) is responsible for all policies and strategic planning related to the growth and development of human capital within the University. This includes manpower planning, compensation and reward strategies, succession planning and processes for recruitment, as well as overseeing the implementation of the approved Human Resources strategy.
