The United Arab Emirates, more commonly known as the UAE, is a high-income country with a diversified economy. Oil and gas remain important, but non-oil sectors now make up most of the country’s real GDP, and tourism is one of the sectors supporting non-hydrocarbon growth.
As the economy has diversified, universities in the country have continued to update their academic programs in areas such as engineering, business, technology, health sciences, architecture, and other professional fields. Today, the UAE is recognized as a major higher education destination in the Arab world.
Globalization is strongly reflected in the UAE’s higher education sector. Many universities promote internationalization and offer programs taught in English. However, students should always confirm the language of instruction and English-proficiency requirements for their chosen program before applying.
In this article, we look at the best English-taught schools in the UAE!
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in UAE
1. American University of Sharjah
The American University of Sharjah is a multicultural university that admits students based on their qualifications and welcomes a diverse student body. Its international study and exchange office also supports study-abroad and exchange opportunities with partner institutions, giving students ways to experience different academic and cultural settings.
One of the main reasons why the university is a popular choice for international students is that the language of instruction at the American University of Sharjah is English. AUS offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs through four academic units: the College of Architecture, Art and Design; the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Engineering; and the School of Business Administration. Its current graduate offerings include 23 master’s degrees and three Ph.D. programs, while its academic pages list a wide range of bachelor’s degrees, minors, and concentrations.
2. Khalifa University of Science and Technology
Khalifa University is one of the highest-ranked universities in the UAE and is ranked 177th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. English is the official language of instruction and assessment. The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs mainly in engineering, computing, science, medicine, and health sciences. Admission requirements vary by level and program, so applicants should check each program’s page for required subjects and English-language scores.
Energy-related study remains an important strength at Khalifa University. Current undergraduate options include Petroleum Engineering, while graduate options include the MSc and Ph.D. in Petroleum Geosciences. The university also offers a wide range of programs in engineering and sciences, and its undergraduate program page states that all undergraduate programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
3. Abu Dhabi University
- Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degrees taught in English: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. programs are available in English, although some programs, including selected law and Arabic mass communication programs, are taught in Arabic.
Abu Dhabi University is a private, multi-campus university in the UAE that offers programs across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Its website states that it offers more than 65 internationally accredited programs, and its program finder lists programs across business, engineering, architecture, law, health sciences, media, and other areas. The university has campuses in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
Some undergraduate programs currently offered include Mass Communication, Business Administration, Architecture, Aviation, and Engineering. Health science options include Molecular and Medical Genetics, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences: Laboratory Medicine, Environmental Health and Safety, and Clinical Psychology and Mental Health. ADU also offers several doctoral options, including the Doctor of Business Administration, Ph.D. in Education, Ph.D. in Engineering Management, Ph.D. in Intelligent Systems Engineering, and Ph.D. in Law.
4. British University in Dubai
The British University in Dubai is an English-taught university established in 2003. It follows a British higher education model and offers programs at bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, postgraduate diploma, and doctoral levels. Its current website lists bachelor’s programs in Business, Engineering, and Computer Science, including Artificial Intelligence, along with postgraduate options in education, business, law, engineering, finance, project management, architecture, and computer science.
Some undergraduate students in Computer Science can follow a 2+2 pathway with the University of Glasgow, studying the first two years at BUiD and the last two years in the UK. BUiD’s master’s and doctoral pages state that many postgraduate programs are available full-time and part-time.
5. The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
- Public Notice
- Current degree availability: Not available; the academy ceased operations on July 28, 2025.
The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management was formerly a Dubai-based institution focused on hospitality management and tourism. However, the academy has ceased operations as of July 28, 2025. As a result, it should not be treated as a current study option for new students.
Formerly, EAHM offered hospitality-focused programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Prospective students should now check the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research or current university websites for operating, licensed hospitality programs in the UAE.
Studying in English and minimizing language barriers can make the UAE an attractive study destination. Among the currently operating universities above, students can find many English-taught programs, but it is important to confirm each program’s current availability, language of instruction, fees, and admission requirements before applying.
We hope this article on Best English-Taught Universities in the United Arab Emirates was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Study in UAE and Available Programs for International Students pages.
