Top 6 UAE Study Abroad Programs

If “study abroad” had a glow-up, it would look like Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates’ mix of city life, desert adventures, and cutting-edge innovation makes it one of the most exciting places to study in the UAE. From world-class universities to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, these Abu Dhabi study abroad programs are your ticket to something unforgettable.

What are the Best Study Abroad Programs in the United Arab Emirates?

Ready to turn your global goals into reality? From sustainability and business to art and tech, CIEE Study Abroad programs in the UAE offer something for every major – all set against the backdrop of Abu Dhabi’s futuristic skyline.  

Read More: 5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Featured Program #1: Semester in Abu Dhabi

Live and learn in the capital of innovation! The Semester in Abu Dhabi program gives you the full experience of city life in the UAE – think modern classrooms, international faculty, and access to cultural landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Saadiyat Island.

• Program Length: 12 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $15,950
• Featured Course: Culture and Cuisine in The Emirates
• Excursion Highlight: Experience a traditional Bedouin camp experience on a desert safari

Featured Program #2: Business + Culture

If you’re dreaming of making your mark in the global economy, there’s no better place to study business than in one of the world’s leading trade and finance hubs. Learn how business, culture, and innovation intersect in the UAE, where startups meet skyscrapers, and tradition meets technology. Expect guest lectures from local professionals and site visits to multinational companies that call Abu Dhabi home.

• Program Length: 12 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $15,950
• Featured Course: International Marketing
• Excursion Highlight: Learn to cook traditional Emirati dishes

Featured Program #3: Arts + Sciences

Study abroad in the UAE and explore the country’s creative and academic side through this diverse, multidisciplinary program at Abu Dhabi University. Whether you’re studying communications, sociology, or environmental science, you’ll discover how innovation, culture, and community shape one of the fastest-growing regions in the world.

• Program Length: 18 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $19,950
• Featured Course: Principles of Financial Accounting
• Excursion Highlight: Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi that houses a rich collection of local and regional historical artifacts

Featured Program #4: Engineering, Technology + Sciences

Abu Dhabi is a global leader in engineering, renewable energy, and tech innovation – so it’s only fitting to study it firsthand. Dive into projects and research exploring sustainable infrastructure, AI, and renewable energy systems, while connecting with local experts at the heart of the UAE’s transformation.

• Program Length: 12 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $15,950
• Featured Course: Engineering, Sustainability, and Society
• Excursion Highlight: Tour the newly built Abrahamic Family House, which houses places of worship for the three monotheistic religions

Read More: EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: ABU DHABI

Featured Program #5: Sustainable Smart Cities

The UAE is on a mission to build the cities of tomorrow – and you can be part of it. This program combines sustainability, technology, and urban design to explore how modern cities can grow while protecting the planet. Learn from real-life examples like Masdar City, one of the world’s first carbon-neutral developments, and collaborate on projects that could inspire the next generation of eco-innovators.

• Program Length: 12 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $15,950
• Featured Course: Sustainable Development in the 21st Century  
• Excursion Highlight: Visit the upcoming Zayed National Museum to learn about the UAE's history before oil discovery in the 1940s

Featured Program #6: Open Campus Block

Want flexibility and adventure? The Open Campus Block program in Abu Dhabi lets you design your own study abroad experience. Choose courses that fit your major or curiosity, live in a global hub for innovation, and dive into Emirati culture.

• Program Length: 6 or 12 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $7,450 per block
• Featured Course: Global History of Architecture and Cities
• Excursion Highlight: Explore the National Aquarium in Al Qana, the largest aquarium in the Middle East

Which UAE Study Abroad Program Will You Choose?

Every CIEE program in the UAE opens a different door – whether that’s into the world of global business, environmental innovation, or cultural discovery. The question isn’t if you should study abroad in the UAE – it’s which program fits your goals (and your vibe) best.

Get ready to study abroad in Abu Dhabi!

STUDY ABROAD IN ABU DHABI