Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), established in 2006, is a public higher education institution located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The university was founded under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, through a partnership between Sorbonne Université in Paris and the Government of Abu Dhabi, under the administrative oversight of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Its academic programmes are provided by Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité.
The programmes are developed and offered by Sorbonne Université in the fields of arts, humanities and data, science and engineering; and by Université Paris Cité in the fields of law, business and economics. SUAD degree programmes follow the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Programmes are taught in French or English.
SUAD's academic offerings are divided into three schools:
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) operates under the administration of the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the academic leadership of Sorbonne Université in collaboration with Université Paris Cité.
The degrees are awarded by Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité. All SUAD programmes are evaluated by the and accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Furthermore, all programmes are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA). These degrees are recognised worldwide.
SAFIR Institute (Sorbonne Abu dhabi For Innovation and Research)
Research at SUAD is carried out within SAFIR Institute. It focuses its research on the areas of Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité, as well as the fields of the professors based in the Abu Dhabi campus. The research strategy, outlined in the strategic plan 2024-2028, is aligned with Abu Dhabi and Abu DhabiâÂÂs Vision 2030 to support national priorities for the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Since October 2024, SAFIR hosts seven research centers focusing on seven strategic research themes:
The research activities at SUAD are conducted in close collaboration with International research institutes and labs in France and in the Gulf region, along with local and international industrial and governmental stakeholders (Veolia, EAD, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, National archives ....).
In alignment with Sorbonne UniversitéâÂÂs areas, two institutes have been established in Abu Dhabi to support research on artificial intelligence and marine issues.
The Ocean Institute was established in 2024 and to develop Interdisciplinary and transnational research Institute on ocean issues.
Several labs in France and in the region have an antenna, delegate staff at SUAD and active collaborations around research projects.
Located on Al Reem Island, SUAD's 93,000-square-metre campus features modern classrooms, laboratories, auditoriums, and a library housing the largest collection of French literature in the Gulf region. The campus also includes on-site student housing and a sports complex featuring a large sports hall, gymnasium, dance studio, climbing walls, a martial arts room and multiple sports courts.
Schools:
Teaching language: French, English
System: European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)
Student diversity: More than 90 nationalities, 3,000+ alumni / 20+ programmes
Number of students: 3,000+
Campus Size: 93,000 mò