American University of Sharjah

What American University of Sharjah does

American University of Sharjah (AUS) is an independent, non-profit, coeducational institution of higher education founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah. The institution operates on the American liberal arts model from a 123-hectare full-service campus in University City, Sharjah, and is governed by an independent Board of Trustees with Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi serving as President. AUS delivers degree programs across four colleges — College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD), College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Engineering (CEN), and School of Business Administration (SBA) — offering 33 undergraduate majors, 46 minors, 24 master's degrees, and 8 PhD programs, including recently approved MS programs in Data Analytics Engineering, Environmental Sustainability and Management, and Trans-Disciplinary Design. The student and faculty body is drawn from 90–100+ nationalities, supporting a globally diverse learning environment.

The university's core academic product is supported by an extensive campus services infrastructure — including residential halls, a Testing Center, a Bookstore (AllPrints), and the Achievement Academy Bridge Program — alongside research centers and faculty-led applied research output that has produced patented technology such as the Compact Radar Transceiver System developed in collaboration with the UAE Army and Civil Defence. The primary revenue model is tuition-based recurring revenue charged per credit hour or semester (for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs) with residency-status differentiation, supplemented by ancillary campus services revenue. Customer segments span undergraduate and graduate students, international students from 100+ countries, sponsored students backed by UAE government entities (RTA, TDRA, Sharjah Council for Higher Education) and corporate sponsors, as well as executive education participants.

AUS markets through its own website, social media channels, a 170+ school Sharakah partnership network for UAE recruitment, and participation in international education shows such as the International Education Show at Expo Centre Sharjah. Distribution combines direct enrollment with channel partnerships through Sponsorship Liaison Services and the Sharakah school network. Recent institutional moves include the launch of AUS Press at the Warsaw International Book Fair, board-approved establishment of a GEMS Education-operated K-12 school on campus, the AUS Urban Hub Project mixed-use development, and a series of partnerships with the UAE AI Office, Google, Oracle, Microsoft, upGrad, GCAIE, SCTDA, and Emirates Biotech — all signaling a coordinated diversification of the institution beyond degree-granting into publishing, K-12, applied research, and industry-aligned workforce development.

Name

American University of Sharjah

Legal name

American University of Sharjah

Website

https://aus.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

American University of Sharjah is a non-profit, independent institution of higher education in Sharjah, UAE, founded in 1997. It offers 33 undergraduate majors, 24 master's degrees, and 8 PhDs across four colleges to a student body drawn from over 100 nationalities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International & Global Research Universities (Multi-Campus/International Footprint) (EDAHABAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

International Branch Campus & Offshore Program Partnerships (EDAIABAI)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Undergraduate degree programs
• Graduate degree programs
• Liberal arts education
• Academic research programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Sharjah

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Tuition-based revenue from undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programs. Tuition and fees are charged per credit hour or semester depending on program level and student residency status.
2. Campus Services Revenue: Revenue from on-campus services including residential halls, testing center services, bookstore (AllPrints), and other student services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

American University of Sharjah (AUS) is an independent, non-profit institution of higher education offering American-style liberal arts education. It delivers 33 undergraduate majors with 46 minors, 24 master's degrees, and 8 doctoral programs across four colleges: College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD); College of Arts and Sciences (CAS); College of Engineering (CEN); and School of Business Administration (SBA). The university operates a 123-hectare full-service campus in University City, Sharjah, UAE, serving students from over 100 nationalities, supported by research centers, a Testing Center, executive education, and a recently launched publishing arm (AUS Press).

Product overview

American University of Sharjah is a non-profit institution of higher education offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs across four colleges: College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD), College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Engineering (CEN), and School of Business Administration (SBA). The university provides 33 undergraduate majors and 49 minors, 24 master's degrees, and 8 doctoral programs across its colleges. Supporting infrastructure includes the AUS Press publishing arm, Testing Center, Research Centers, and the Sharakah partnership program with over 170 schools. The institution operates a 123-hectare campus in Sharjah, UAE, and has developed patented technologies including a miniaturized radar system. Notable recent launches include AUS Press (2026) and institutional expansion plans including a K-12 school and Urban Hub Project.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bachelor's Degree Programs Four-year bachelor's degree programs across 33 majors and 46 minors in Architecture, Art and Design; Arts and Sciences; Engineering; and Business Administration, for prospective undergraduate students from the UAE and internationally.
• Master's Degree Programs

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• GCAIE (Global Center for AI Excellence)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026Partnership to advance AI excellence and future readiness. Focus on preparing students and faculty for AI-driven future through specialized programs and resources.
• GEMS EducationmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 June 2026GEMS Education will operate a new K-12 school on the AUS campus, part of institutional growth plans approved by the AUS Board of Trustees. This represents a significant expansion of educational services offered by the university.
• Sharjah Book AuthoritymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 May 2026Sheikha Bodour as chairperson of Sharjah Book Authority led UAE delegation to Warsaw International Book Fair. AUS Press launched at the fair to promote scholarship, translation, and cultural exchange.
• Emirates BiotechminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2026Hosting high-level roundtable on organic waste management as critical gap in UAE's circular economy strategy. Experts from government, industry, and academia participated.
• UAE Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications OfficemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026Launched 'Digital Talents in Sharjah' initiative in partnership with University of Sharjah, Google, Oracle, upGrad, and Microsoft. Two-year program bridging gap between academic learning and industry needs with AI and digital technology training.
• GooglecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 May 2026Technology partner in 'Digital Talents in Sharjah' initiative providing students and graduates with practical training, professional certifications, and hands-on skills in AI and digital technologies.
• OraclecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 May 2026Technology partner in 'Digital Talents in Sharjah' initiative providing students and graduates with practical training, professional certifications, and hands-on skills in AI and digital technologies.
• MicrosoftcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 May 2026Technology partner in 'Digital Talents in Sharjah' initiative providing students and graduates with practical training, professional certifications, and hands-on skills in AI and digital technologies.
• upGradcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 May 2026Education technology partner in 'Digital Talents in Sharjah' initiative providing students and graduates with professional certifications and skills training in AI and digital technologies.
• Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 April 2026MOU signed at House of Wisdom to collaborate on tourism innovation, provide students real-world experience in UAE's growing tourism sector (10% of Sharjah's GDP). Builds on Sharjah Tourism Innovation Hackathon.
• Farnek Services LLCmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2026Facilities management joint venture approved by AUS Board of Trustees. Joint venture designed to enhance campus facilities management operations.
• Muhammad Ali CenterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2026AUS participated in naming Sharjah as first global city partner for Muhammad Ali Index. Sheikha Bodour signed Ali Compassion Pledge with Lonnie Ali at ceremony.
• Emirates Environmental Group (EEG)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2026AUS participates in EEG panel discussions on renewable energy integration, grid stability, and green hydrogen solutions. University representatives contribute to sustainability dialogue.
• UAE Army and Civil DefencemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 November 2025Collaboration with Dr. Lutfi Albasha and Dr. Hasan Mir on development of miniaturized radar system for detection of drones, human motion and structural vibrations.
• Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAUS faculty and students participate in Seal the Deal startup investment events organized under SPARK. Nine startups secured over AED 4 million in investment at 2025 edition.
• Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAUS collaborates with Sheraa to offer workshops and opportunities for student entrepreneurs to develop business ideas. Students access entrepreneurship resources and mentorship.
• Zayed Education FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Ruwwad Zayed program offering 50 fully funded graduate scholarships in inaugural year. Includes mentorship, research placements, and leadership curriculum for Emirati and Arab students.
• Sharakah Partner Schools (170+)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEducational partnership program with 170+ schools throughout UAE benefiting both teachers and students through enrichment activities and student recruitment pathway.
• Warsaw International Book FairminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAUS Press launched at Warsaw International Book Fair 2026. 21 cultural, academic, and media institutions from Sharjah participated in UAE's Guest of Honour presence.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• American University of Beirut (AUB): Long-established American-style research university in the broader region; competes for Arab-region and international students and offers comparable research output, employer reputation, and faculty depth across a similar program portfolio.
• American University in Cairo (AUC): Long-standing American-style university in the Middle East/North Africa region with comprehensive programs and strong employer reputation; directly comparable as a private, English-language, American-model institution serving international students in the Arab world.

Regional players

• University of Wollongong in Dubai: UAE-based international branch campus of an Australian university offering business, engineering, and computer science programs; competes in the same Gulf market for international students seeking Western-modeled credentials, particularly in Dubai.

Direct peers

• Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi: UAE-based international branch campus offering French-style higher education; competes with AUS for international and regional students seeking globally recognized credentials in the Gulf, particularly in business and humanities.
• NYU Abu Dhabi: Branch campus of NYU offering a fully integrated liberal arts undergraduate experience; competes with AUS for high-achieving international and regional students seeking American-style residential education in the Gulf.
• Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar: Qatari branch campus of Carnegie Mellon offering undergraduate programs in business, computer science, and engineering; competes with AUS for internationally mobile STEM students and offers comparable American credentials in the Gulf.
• University of Sharjah: Largest university in Sharjah with comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs; directly comparable as a co-located Gulf-based comprehensive university offering American-style and other curricula. Co-partner with AUS in the Digital Talents in Sharjah initiative.
• United Arab Emirates University (UAEU): The flagship public university in the UAE offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs; competes directly with AUS for national and regional students across business, engineering, arts and sciences.
• Khalifa University: UAE's top-ranked research university with strong STEM focus, comparable as a Gulf-based private/public research institution competing for international students and faculty. Targets overlapping talent pool with engineering and science programs similar to AUS's CEN and CAS.
• Zayed University: UAE national university with multiple campuses and a broad program portfolio; competes with AUS particularly for UAE national students and offers similar American-influenced curricula across business, arts, and sciences.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AUSharjah
• YouTubeyoutube.com/ausharjah
• Facebookfacebook.com/wwwausedu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-university-of-sharjah
• Instagraminstagram.com/ausharjah

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about American University of Sharjah