Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Other name	SUAD
Former name	Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Motto	"A bridge between civilisations"
Type	Public
Established	May 30, 2006
Parent institution	Sorbonne University
Accreditation	French Ministry of Education UAE Ministry of Education
Affiliation	Sorbonne University Paris Cité University
Chair	Reem Al Hashimy
Chancellor	Prof Nathalie Martial-Braz
Students	1,400+
Location	Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
Campus	23 acres (9.3 ha)
Colors
Nickname	Foxes
Website	www.sorbonne.ae

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), established in 2006 , is a 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) and are globally recognized as such. Programmes are taught in French or English.

Academic Programmes

SUAD's academic offerings are divided into three schools :

1. School of Arts and Humanities
   1. Taught in French
      1. Foundation Year Intensive French  
      2. Bachelor in Applied Foreign Languages
      3. Bachelor in French Literature
      4. Bachelor of Geography and Planning
      5. Bachelor in History  
      6. Bachelor in History of Art and Archaeology
      7. Double Bachelor in Philosophy and Sociology
      8. Master in Teaching French as a Foreign Language
   2. Taught in English
      1. Master in Applied Sociological Research
      2. Master in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
      3. Master in History of Art and Museum Studies
      4. Master in Marketing, Management, Communication, Media
      5. Master in Sustainable Environmental Engineering and Law
      6. Master in Urban Planning and Development
2. School of Law, Economics and Business
   1. Taught in French
      1. Bachelor in Economics and Management
      2. Bachelor in Law
   2. Taught in English
      1. Master in Applied Foreign Languages: Specialty Management and International Business
      2. Master in Banking and Finance
      3. Master in Health Economics
      4. Master in International Business Law
      5. Master in International Law, International Relations and Diplomacy
      6. Master in Sustainable Environmental Engineering and Law
3. School of Data, Science and Engineering
   1. Taught in English
      1. Foundation year in Sciences
      2. Bachelor in Physics
      3. Bachelor in Mathematics, Specialization in Data Science for Artificial Intelligence
      4. Master in Physics Specialization in Non-Destructive Characterization with Applications for Cultural Heritage
      5. Foundation Year in Records Management & Archival Science
      6. Bachelor in Records Management and Archival Science
      7. Master in Records Management and Archival Studies

Accreditation

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 Higher Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (HCERES) 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.

Research and Innovation

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 excellence of Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité, as well as the fields of expertise 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 Dhabi’s 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:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Digital Policy
2. Heritage and Material Science
3. Environment and Sustainable Development
4. Global Societies, Cultures, Cities and Arts
5. Applied Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science
6. Humanities, Languages and Education
7. Health and care

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 Université’s areas of excellence, two institutes have been established in Abu Dhabi to support innovative research on artificial intelligence and marine issues.

SCAI-AD: Sorbonne Center for Artificial Intelligence. Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) - Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. SCAI Abu Dhabi was officially launched in January 2020 with 2 industrial partners Thales and TotalEnergies who inaugurated 2 research chairs in Abu Dhabi.

The Ocean Institute was established in 2024 and its mission is to develop Interdisciplinary and transnational research Institute on ocean issues. Institut de l'Océan de l'Alliance Sorbonne Université

Several labs in France and in the region have an antenna, delegate staff at SUAD and active collaborations around research projects.

Campus and Facilities

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 . The climbing wall which stands eight meters tall, offers 200 square meters of bouldering space equipped with a modern set of holds. In addition to these facilities, the center provides over 20 fitness and sports activities, both on and off-campus, for students, staff, and the wider community supporting physical well-being and promoting engagement within the campus environment.

Career Centre

The Career Centre at SUAD provides resources and support to students for career planning and professional development. Services include:

• Workshops and training to build employability skills.

• Internship and job placement opportunities through collaborations with local and international employers.
• Networking events connecting students with industry professionals.

The Career Centre aims to prepare students for the workforce and facilitate their transition into professional careers. It also supports alumni with career advice and maintains strong links with various sectors in the UAE.

Student Life and Community Engagement

SUAD promotes cultural exchange and lifelong learning through initiatives such as the Continuing Education Center (CEC) to empower working professionals and advance their professional goals and career prospects, and the Auditeurs Libres programme, enabling community members to participate in undergraduate and postgraduate-level courses without enrolling in degree programmes.

The university organizes events throughout the year that reflect its commitment to cultural exchange and global dialogue. Highlights include:

· Cultural events showcasing French, Emirati, and international traditions.

· Academic conferences and workshops aligned with the university's research themes.

· Public lectures, exhibitions, and networking events that encourage collaboration between academia and industry.

Through its engagement initiatives, SUAD positions itself as a cultural hub, promoting dialogue and celebrating diversity. The university also collaborates with local and international organizations to host events that foster academic and societal growth.

Partners

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi collaborates with distinguished individuals, local and international institutions, and corporations to enhance its academic offerings, research initiatives, and student support services.

The Companions of Sorbonne Abu Dhabi Enlightenment

This sponsorship programme unites individuals and organizations with strong connections to the university. Through philanthropic contributions, the programme supports research development, scholarships for postgraduate students, and university-hosted events that foster academic and cultural growth.

Friends of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Association

Established in 2007 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and supported by the French Ambassador to the UAE, this association was founded by Emirati and French residents committed to advancing the university’s mission. The association works to build strategic partnerships with renowned Emirati and French companies, emphasizing the significance of education and culture in fostering economic and societal development.

Its primary focus is on securing funding to support scholarships and facilitating the integration of graduates into professional environments.

Key facts

Established: 30 May 2006

Patronage: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi

Vice-chancellor: Prof. Nathalie Martial-Braz

Motto: A bridge between civilisations

Affiliations: Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité

Schools:

1. School of law, Economics and Business
2. School of Data, Science and Engineering
3. School of Arts and Humanities

Teaching language: French, English

System: European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)

Student diversity: over 60 Nationalities

Number of students: 1400+

Campus Size: 93,000 m²