Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) is a French-model institution of higher education established on 30 May 2006 through a visionary partnership between Sorbonne Université in Paris and the Government of Abu Dhabi. Located under its iconic dome on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, SUAD stands as a bridge between civilisations, blending eight centuries of French academic tradition with the ambitions of the UAE's vision for the future.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, SUAD today serves a vibrant community of 1,800 students from over 90 nationalities, with more than 70% of its graduates being UAE Nationals. It operates as both a multidisciplinary research institution and a hub for developing critical thinkers and responsible leaders at the crossroads of global cultures.

Vision

To foster intellectual excellence, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research and innovation, critical thinking, cultural harmony and tolerance for the benefit of society.

Mission

To build the bridge between civilisations through excellence in education and research, uniting the renowned French model of learning and knowledge development with the vision of the UAE.

Values

Respect: cultivating an environment where every individual's ideas and perspectives are acknowledged and treated with respect
Tolerance: celebrating diversity, encouraging open dialogue, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere where various backgrounds and beliefs are welcomed
Commitment: an unwavering dedication to excellence in education and research, striving to provide the best opportunities for students and contribute to society
Ethics: upholding the highest ethical standards as a fundamental principle, guiding all actions, decisions and interactions with integrity and responsibility
Integrity: ensuring honesty, transparency and accountability in all endeavours
Innovation: continuously seeking new ways to enhance learning, research and engagement, enabling students and faculty to push the boundaries of knowledge and creativity

Parent universities and academic affiliation

SUAD is jointly affiliated with two of France's most distinguished research universities: Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité. All degrees awarded by SUAD are issued by these two institutions, meaning SUAD graduates hold French university degrees of the same standing as graduates of the parent campuses in Paris. Academic programmes are co-developed and co-owned with the parent universities, ensuring full alignment with their curricula, pedagogical standards and research frameworks.

The SUAD network also includes CELSA (the Paris School of Communications and Information) and the École du Louvre, extending the range of expertise and specialisation available to students and researchers.

Accreditation

SUAD operates under the administration of the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) of Abu Dhabi and the academic leadership of Sorbonne Université in collaboration with Université Paris Cité. All programmes are evaluated by the Higher Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (HCERES) and are accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space. All programmes are also accredited by the UAE's Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA). SUAD uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), ensuring its degrees are recognised worldwide.

Academic schools

SUAD delivers programmes from foundation and bachelor level through to doctorate level across three main schools and a continuing education centre:

School of Arts and Humanities: covering history, philosophy, sociology, geography and planning, French studies, marketing, communication and media, and archaeology and history of art. The school prepares students for careers in public policy, international organisations, education, cultural institutions, urban development and the creative industries.
School of Data, Science and Engineering: covering physics, mathematics with a specialisation in data science for artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and records management and archival studies. The school is designed to meet growing demand for expertise in data science, technology and engineering, with a focus on interdisciplinary and experiential learning.
School of Law, Economics and Business: offering programmes in law, economics and management, banking and finance, health economics, sustainable environmental engineering and law, and international law. The school takes a multidisciplinary approach to equipping students with analytical, legal and managerial skills for today's complex global environment.
Continuing Education Centre (CEC): delivering niche, high-quality lifelong learning programmes for working professionals, including sports management, French language courses, AI foundations and investment, archives and records management, and professional development certifications aligned with UAE workforce demands.

Research

SUAD is a regional research lighthouse, with a growing portfolio of interdisciplinary research centres and institutes operating under the SAFIR research institute framework. Active research centres include:

Centre for Heritage and Material Science
Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Policies
Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI)
Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development
Ocean Institute
Centre for Global Societies, Cultures, Cities and Arts
Centre for Humanities, Languages and Education
Centre for Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science
Centre for Health and Care

SUAD also holds a Jean Monnet Chair — Bridging Horizons — recognising its contribution to European studies and cross-cultural academic dialogue. Research at SUAD is embedded in a commitment to responsible research with measurable societal impact, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Key facts and figures

Established: 30 May 2006
Patron: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi
Motto: A Bridge Between Civilisations
Student community: 1,800 students from over 90 nationalities
Graduate profile: more than 70% of graduates are UAE Nationals
Teaching languages: French and English
Academic system: European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)
Location: Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Degrees awarded by: Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité
Accreditations: UAE Ministry of Education (CAA), French Ministry of Higher Education (HCERES)

Student life and campus

SUAD's campus on Al Reem Island offers a full residential and academic experience in one of Abu Dhabi's most dynamic urban districts. Student life is supported through an active student council, a range of student clubs, on-campus residences, sports facilities, a library, and a dedicated student success and wellbeing service. The university also runs an Auditeurs Libres programme, opening its lectures and cultural events to the wider Abu Dhabi community, reinforcing its role as an open academic institution embedded in the city.

Global network and partnerships

Beyond its two parent universities, SUAD maintains an extensive network of university partners and programme co-owners globally. It also collaborates with Zayed Military University (ZMU) in Abu Dhabi. These partnerships broaden research collaboration, student mobility and programme development opportunities for both students and faculty.

Why SUAD

Degrees awarded directly by Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité, recognised worldwide under the French and European higher education frameworks
Dual accreditation by the UAE's CAA and the French HCERES, ensuring the highest standards of academic quality in both countries
A genuinely multidisciplinary offer spanning the humanities, sciences, law, economics, data science, engineering and continuing education
A research-active institution with nine specialist research centres and a Jean Monnet Chair
A diverse student community of over 90 nationalities in the heart of Abu Dhabi, with instruction in both French and English
Direct connection to the global Sorbonne network, including CELSA and the École du Louvre
Under the patronage of the President of the UAE, with a strategic mandate to position Abu Dhabi as a hub of French-language academic excellence in the region

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