American University of Ras Al Khaimah

What American University of Ras Al Khaimah does

AURAK is a public, non-profit, independent, co-educational institution of higher education licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education and headquartered on a 1.3 million square foot campus in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The university delivers American-style undergraduate and graduate programs across three academic schools: Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Computing, and Business, with 23 accredited programs including specialized degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Biotechnology, and Engineering disciplines. The institution holds a rare multi-jurisdictional accreditation portfolio spanning the US (SACSCOC), UK (QAA), and UAE (CAA), alongside program-level accreditations from ABET and AACSB.

AURAK serves approximately 1,500+ enrolled students representing 60+ nationalities, supported by 95+ faculty members with PhDs and a network of five research centers (ACE, ATAIC, RAKRIC, CEPE, and the RAK Center for Outdoor Comfort). The university's go-to-market combines direct online admissions through the My AURAK portal with channel-based recruitment via Corporate Partnership Grants (RAK Chamber, Julphar, UAE federal ministries) and School Partnership Grants (GEMS Education and other regional schools). All undergraduate degrees include mandatory internships to drive employability outcomes.

The business model is primarily tuition-driven (annual subscription pricing across undergraduate and graduate tiers) supplemented by donations, endowments, corporate partnership grants, and executive/professional education revenue. AURAK was the first university in the UAE to receive the QS 5 Stars Plus rating and targets 35% annual enrollment growth under a new president appointed in August 2025. The institution is governed by a Board of Trustees under the regulatory oversight of the UAE Ministry of Education, with a license valid through September 2026.

Name

American University of Ras Al Khaimah

Legal name

American University of Ras Al Khaimah

Website

https://aurak.ac.ae

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

AURAK is a UAE-licensed, non-profit higher education institution in Ras Al Khaimah delivering American-style undergraduate and graduate programs across 23 accredited degrees to 1,500+ students of 60+ nationalities, with revenue from tuition, partnerships, and endowments.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Ras Al Khaimah

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, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Revenue generated from undergraduate and graduate tuition fees, application fees, and other academic charges
2. Donations and Endowments: Financial contributions from alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations supporting the university's mission, including student support fund donations
3. Corporate Partnership Grants: Revenue from corporate partners who sponsor employee education at discounted rates

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

AURAK is a public non-profit university offering American-style undergraduate and graduate degree programs across three academic schools (Arts & Sciences, Engineering and Computing, Business), supported by mandatory internships, research centers, and executive education. The institution awards baccalaureate and master's degrees and operates the My AURAK portal, specialized research centers (ACE, ATAIC, RAKRIC, CEPE), and the SECURE AI-powered startup evaluation system to deliver and extend its academic offerings.

Product overview

AURAK is a public, non-profit, independent, co-educational higher education institution offering integrated American-style undergraduate and graduate programs. The university operates through three main academic schools: the School of Arts & Sciences (Biotechnology, Media & Communication, Psychology), School of Business (BSBA programs in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, HR, Hospitality & Tourism, Business Analytics), and School of Engineering and Computing (Computer Science, AI, Engineering disciplines, Architecture). The institution complements its academic portfolio with specialized research centers including the AURAK Center for Entrepreneurship (ACE), Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence Center (ATAIC), RAK Research & Innovation Centre (RAKRIC), Center for Executive and Professional Education (CEPE), and RAK Center for Outdoor Comfort. The university also provides the My AURAK Portal as a central online service hub. All undergraduate degrees include mandatory internship modules, and the institution holds multiple prestigious accreditations including AACSB, ABET, and SACSCOC.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ACE (AURAK Center for Entrepreneurship): Center dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, business incubation, and innovation initiatives.
• ATAIC (Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence Center)
• RAKRIC (RAK Research & Innovation Centre)
• CEPE (Center for Executive and Professional Education)

Products and services

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) - General General BSBA degree covering management, finance, and business operations, including a mandatory internship, for prospective undergraduate students seeking American-style business education.
• BSBA Major in Accounting BSBA specialization in accounting offering ACCA exemption accreditation, preparing students for the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification.
• BSBA Major in Finance and Financial Technologies BSBA specialization in finance and financial technologies with CFA Institute affiliation and ACCA exemptions, aligned with global investment industry standards.
• BSBA Major in Digital Marketing Management BSBA specialization in digital marketing management covering digital strategies, social media, and e-commerce for undergraduate business students.
• BSBA Major in Human Resource Management BSBA specialization in human resource management covering talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational behavior for undergraduate students.
• BSBA Major in Hospitality & Tourism Management BSBA specialization in hospitality and tourism management preparing students for leadership roles across hotels, resorts, and travel organizations.
• BSBA Major in Business Analytics BSBA specialization in business analytics combining data analysis, statistical methods, and business intelligence for data-driven decision making.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) MBA program offering advanced management education with industry connections and experiential learning for graduate students.
• Executive Master of Business Administration Executive MBA tailored for senior professionals seeking advanced leadership and strategic management skills.
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science ABET-CAC accredited computer science program covering software development, algorithms, and systems for undergraduate students.
• Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence Dedicated undergraduate AI program covering machine learning, neural networks, and intelligent systems with modern AI technologies.
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering ABET-EAC accredited computer engineering program combining hardware and software engineering principles for undergraduate students.
• Bachelor of Science in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering ABET-EAC accredited civil engineering program focusing on structural design, infrastructure development, and construction management for undergraduate students.
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering ABET-EAC accredited chemical engineering program with optional petroleum engineering pathway covering process design and chemical manufacturing.
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering ABET-EAC accredited electrical and electronics engineering program covering power systems, control systems, and electronic circuits for undergraduate students.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering ABET-EAC accredited mechanical engineering program covering thermal sciences, mechanics, and mechanical design for undergraduate students.
• Bachelor of Architecture Bachelor of Architecture program holding NAAB candidacy status for professional degree accreditation.
• Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication BA program in media and communication covering mass communication, digital media, and public relations for undergraduate students.
• Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology ABET-ANSAC accredited BS in Biotechnology with tracks in medical biotechnology, cellular and molecular biotechnology, and forensic biology for undergraduate students.
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology BS in Psychology covering behavioral science, cognitive processes, and clinical applications for undergraduate students.
• Master of Science in Engineering Project Management MSc in Engineering Project Management combining engineering principles with project management methodologies for graduate students.
• Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy MSc in Sustainable and Renewable Energy focused on renewable energy technologies, sustainability practices, and environmental impact reduction strategies for graduate students.
• Master of Education: Educational Leadership MEd in Educational Leadership preparing graduates for administrative and leadership roles in educational institutions.
• Minor in Artificial Intelligence Minor in Artificial Intelligence available to undergraduate students, providing foundational knowledge in AI concepts and applications.
• AURAK Center for Entrepreneurship (ACE) Entrepreneurship and business incubation center hosting the patented SECURE AI-powered business plan evaluation system for startups and entrepreneurs.
• Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence Center (ATAIC) Research center advancing cutting-edge technology and AI research at AURAK.
• RAK Research & Innovation Centre (RAKRIC) Research and innovation center driving university research initiatives and supporting innovative problem-solving projects.
• Center for Executive and Professional Education (CEPE) Executive and professional education center offering workshops and training programs that prepare individuals for leadership roles, serving organizations, government entities, and community residents.
• RAK Center for Outdoor Comfort Specialized research center studying outdoor comfort in the RAK region, led by Prof. Youssef Diab.
• My AURAK Portal Central online hub providing students, faculty, staff, and alumni access to academic services, online resources, administrative tools, alumni portal, and online payment gateway.

Quantifiable outcome

• 35% projected annual increase in student enrollment over next five years
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 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

AI capability4 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RAK ChambercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partnership providing educational benefits to RAK Chamber member organizations and their employees through discounted tuition rates.
• Al-Qasimi FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partnership with Al-Qasimi Foundation offering educational programs and collaboration opportunities.
• JulpharcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partnership with Julphar pharmaceutical company for employee education and development programs.
• RAK FreezonecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with RAK Freezone providing educational benefits to businesses and employees within the free trade zone.
• RAK Tourism Development AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting tourism sector employees through educational programs.
• Ministry of Economy UAEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partnership for national workforce development and educational initiatives.
• Ministry of Presidential AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partnership supporting educational programs for ministry employees.
• RAK Charity FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for community outreach and educational support programs.
• Al-Rahma CharityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable partnership supporting educational access.
• esaadminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partnership program for employee education benefits.
• FazaaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployee benefits program partnership.
• SSPGEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partnership for educational programs.
• GEMS EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor school partnership providing preferential tuition rates for GEMS school graduates.
• Al-Arabia Private SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool partnership program with discounted tuition for graduates.
• Al-Dhafra Private SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool partnership providing educational benefits.
• Al-Hekma International SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool partnership with preferential admission terms.
• Alnahda SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool partnership for student progression.
• Kazakhstan International Linguistic CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational school partnership.
• New Academy SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool partnership for student enrollment.
• RAK Modern Private SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal school partnership providing educational pathways.
• Sharjah International Private SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool partnership program.
• The WellSpring SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool partnership with educational benefits.
• George Mason University (GMU-RAK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partner institution that established the Ras Al Khaimah campus in 2005, laying the groundwork for what became AURAK.
• International Academic PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong partnership agreements with leading regional and international organizations enabling students to gain work experience and industry knowledge.
• Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership supporting entrepreneurship education and startup ecosystem development.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Amity University Dubai: Dubai-based branch of India's Amity University offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, engineering, IT, and law. Comparable as a private international branch campus targeting similar South Asian and regional student demographics.
• University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD): Dubai-based branch campus of an Australian university offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in business, engineering, and IT. Comparable in international-branch-campus positioning and target student demographic.
• American University in Dubai (AUD): Dubai-based private American-style university offering undergraduate and graduate programs across business, engineering, architecture, and arts. Direct competitor for the same international student cohort that AURAK targets, with overlapping US-accreditation positioning.
• American University of Sharjah (AUS): Sharjah-based non-profit American-style university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees with strong engineering, business, and architecture programs. Closest comparable institution to AURAK in mission, structure, and target student base in the UAE.
• Middlesex University Dubai: Dubai-based branch campus of a UK university offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs across business, law, engineering, and media. Comparable in international-branch-campus model and target student segments.
• Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai (RIT Dubai): Dubai-based branch campus of RIT offering US-accredited engineering, computing, and business degrees. Comparable as a STEM-focused international branch campus competing for similar student pipelines.

Broad incumbents

• Zayed University: UAE federal university with campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Comparable in mission as a public institution serving UAE national and resident students across multiple disciplines.
• Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT): UAE's largest federal higher-education institution offering applied degrees across 16+ campuses. Larger and more diversified than AURAK but competes for the same Emirati and resident student base for business, engineering, and IT programs.
• Khalifa University: Abu Dhabi-based research-intensive university focused on engineering, science, and medicine with strong government backing. Broader incumbent with deeper research funding, competing for top-tier STEM students in the UAE.

Regional players

• Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST): Kuwait-based private university with similar American-style curriculum, AACSB accreditation, and mission of serving working professionals and recent graduates in the Gulf. Comparable as a regional American-style peer led by Prof. Bassam Alameddine before he joined AURAK.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/au_rak
• Facebookfacebook.com/americanuniversityofrasalkhaimah

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American University of Ras Al Khaimah