The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is a public, not for profit, institution of higher learning. The university is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. AURAK consists of four colleges offering academic programs in Arabic language and Gulf studies, business, communications, sciences and engineering (accredited by ABET).

• School of Arts & Sciences
• School of Business
• School of Engineering
• School of Graduate Studies

AURAK is a coeducational university. Female and male students are in classes together. Approximately 800 students study at AURAK. More than 25% of the student body consists of Emiratis, a very high percentage considering that Emirati citizens account for only 30% of the country’s population. The majority of students come from other Arabic countries and Africa with a growing number from Asia, Europe and North America.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, is the Chairman of AURAK’s Board of Trustees – a high honor for a university in the UAE. The president of AURAK, Professor Hassan Al Alkim, earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Seattle University in the USA, and a Master’s and Doctorate in International Relations from University of Exeter in England. AURAK professors hail from around the world – Jordan, United States, South Korea and many other countries – adding to the international atmosphere on campus and in the classroom.

Teaching & grading

AURAK utilizes an American model of liberal arts education. The language of instruction is English. Classes are small and students are given individual attention from faculty. Teaching styles reflect professors’ cultural and educational backgrounds. Students should be prepared to experience and adapt to different instructional methods.

Classes are closed on Friday and Saturday, which is considered the weekend. The Islamic holy day each week is Friday.

Students are graded based on their performance in class and exams and/or papers. The final grade is usually based on the average of formal assessments (exams, quizzes, papers, etc.), attendance and professor’s evaluation. Grades are provided as a percentage and/or US-based letter grade (A, B, C, D, F).