The best universities in Abu Dhabi in 2026 include New York University Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, Khalifa University, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Masdar City, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi University and Zayed University.
Abu Dhabi has a mix of national, international and branch-campus universities. Higher education here is regulated by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the federal Commission for Academic Accreditation, so check that a program is accredited before you apply. Student visas are normally sponsored by the university.
A liberal-arts and research university on Saadiyat Island, part of NYU.
New York University Abu Dhabi is on Saadiyat Island and is part of NYU's global network. It offers liberal-arts and research programs.
It suits students seeking an international liberal-arts degree.
Good to know: Check admissions deadlines and scholarship terms early.
New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
A research-focused university with campuses on Abu Dhabi Island.
Khalifa University has a main campus on Abu Dhabi Island at the intersection of Al Saada Street and Old Airport Road, and a Sas Al Nakhl campus near the Maqta Bridge.
It suits students interested in engineering, science and medicine.
Good to know: Check which campus hosts your program.
Main Campus, Al Saada Street and Old Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE
A graduate-level university focused on artificial intelligence.
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is in Building 1B in Masdar City. It describes itself as an AI education and research institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
It suits students who want to study AI.
Good to know: Check current program offerings and entry requirements.
Building 1B, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
A French university campus on Al Reem Island.
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is on Al Reem Island and describes French excellence and international recognition.
It suits students who want a French academic tradition in the UAE.
Good to know: Check which programs are taught in English.
Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
A large private university with international accreditations.
Abu Dhabi University says it holds international accreditations and country-level endorsement for study.
It suits students looking for a broad private-university offering.
Good to know: Ask which accreditations apply to your program.
Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
A federal university with an Abu Dhabi campus in Khalifa City.
Zayed University has a campus in Khalifa City West in Abu Dhabi, as well as a campus in Dubai.
It suits students who want a federal university.
Good to know: Check which campus hosts your program.
Zayed University, Khalifa City West Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
ADEK and the federal Commission for Academic Accreditation. Check that your program is accredited.
Usually yes. Ask the admissions office about the process and costs.
MBZUAI, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, in Masdar City.
Yes. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is on Al Reem Island.