American University of Ras Al Khaimah
With the support of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the University was initially established as George Mason University, Ras Al Khaimah campus (GMU-RAK) in 2005. However, after George Mason University decided to discontinue its operations in Ras Al Khaimah in 2009, the Crown Prince decreed the establishment of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) in the same location. This transition allowed students enrolled at GMU-RAK the flexibility to continue their education at AURAK, transfer to GMU’s main campus in Virginia, USA, or move to another institution.
The early leadership of AURAK saw short-term presidencies under Professor Sharon Siverts (2009-10) and Dr. Shaukat Mirza (2010-11). Following these brief tenures, AURAK’s Board of Trustees appointed Professor Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim as vice-chancellor. Organizational restructuring led to Professor Al Alkim becoming the president in 2014. His presidency marked a period of stability and growth until his retirement in the summer of 2023, after which Dr. David A. Schmidt took over as president in August 2023.
In recent years, the University has experienced significant expansion, both in infrastructure and academic offerings. This growth includes the introduction of new academic programs and the establishment of three additional academic schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Business. The University’s academic quality and standards have been recognized through accreditations from several prestigious bodies, including the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) in the UAE, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in the US, and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in the UK. Additionally, AURAK has earned program-specific accreditations from notable international agencies. Most notably, the University has been awarded the QS 5 Stars Plus rating, a distinction that places it among a select group of the world’s elite universities and makes it the first in the UAE to achieve this highest rating.
With the support of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the University was initially established as George Mason University, Ras Al Khaimah campus (GMU-RAK) in 2005. However, after George Mason University decided to discontinue its operations in Ras Al Khaimah in 2009, the Crown Prince decreed the establishment of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) in the same location. This transition allowed students enrolled at GMU-RAK the flexibility to continue their education at AURAK, transfer to GMU’s main campus in Virginia, USA, or move to another institution.The early leadership of AURAK saw short-term presidencies under Professor Sharon Siverts (2009-10) and Dr. Shaukat Mirza (2010-11). Following these brief tenures, AURAK’s Board of Trustees appointed Professor Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim as vice-chancellor. Organizational restructuring led to Professor Al Alkim becoming the president in 2014. His presidency marked a period of stability and growth until his retirement in the summer of 2023, after which Dr. David A. Schmidt took over as president in August 2023.In recent years, the University has experienced significant expansion, both in infrastructure and academic offerings. This growth includes the introduction of new academic programs and the establishment of three additional academic schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Business. The University’s academic quality and standards have been recognized through accreditations from several prestigious bodies, including the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) in the UAE, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in the US, and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in the UK. Additionally, AURAK has earned program-specific accreditations from notable international agencies. Most notably, the University has been awarded the QS 5 Stars Plus rating, a distinction that places it among a select group of the world’s elite universities and makes it the first in the UAE to achieve this highest rating.
Studying at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) offers numerous advantages for international students, making it an excellent choice for higher education. First and foremost, AURAK provides a high-quality education that is recognized both locally and internationally. The university is accredited by reputable bodies such as the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) in the UAE, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in the US, and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in the UK. These accreditations ensure that the degrees awarded are globally recognized, opening up a wide array of career opportunities for graduates.Another significant benefit for international students is the university's diverse academic offerings. AURAK has expanded its academic programs to include a variety of disciplines across its three main schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Business. This wide range of programs allows students to pursue their specific interests and career goals in a supportive and resource-rich environment. The university’s commitment to academic excellence is further highlighted by its QS 5 Stars Plus rating, positioning it among the world’s elite universities and marking it as the first in the UAE to receive this highest rating.Moreover, AURAK offers a culturally enriching experience. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, the university provides a unique blend of traditional Arab culture and modern amenities. International students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant and diverse community, enhancing their global perspectives and cultural understanding. The university’s campus is designed to support a comfortable and conducive learning environment, with state-of-the-art facilities, modern classrooms, and various student support services.In addition to academic and cultural benefits, AURAK is committed to providing a holistic educational experience. The university places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging students to engage in innovative projects and collaborate with faculty members on cutting-edge research. This focus on research is reflected in AURAK's rankings, particularly in fields such as Materials Science, Engineering, and Physics. Such opportunities enable students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for their future careers.Lastly, AURAK’s strategic location offers numerous advantages. Ras Al Khaimah is known for its scenic beauty, safe environment, and rapidly developing infrastructure. The emirate provides a high quality of life, with easy access to recreational activities, healthcare services, and international transportation links. This makes it an attractive destination for international students seeking both academic excellence and a fulfilling lifestyle.In conclusion, the American University of Ras Al Khaimah stands out as an ideal destination for international students due to its globally recognized accreditation, diverse academic programs, culturally rich environment, strong emphasis on research, and advantageous location. These factors combine to offer a comprehensive and enriching educational experience that prepares students for successful global careers.
Studying at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) offers numerous advantages for international students, making it an excellent choice for higher education. First and foremost, AURAK provides a high-quality education that is recognized both locally and internationally. The university is accredited by reputable bodies such as the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) in the UAE, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in the US, and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in the UK. These accreditations ensure that the degrees awarded are globally recognized, opening up a wide array of career opportunities for graduates.Another significant benefit for international students is the university's diverse academic offerings. AURAK has expanded its academic programs to include a variety of disciplines across its three main schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Business. This wide range of programs allows students to pursue their specific interests and career goals in a supportive and resource-rich environment. The university’s commitment to academic excellence is further highlighted by its QS 5 Stars Plus rating, positioning it among the world’s elite universities and marking it as the first in the UAE to receive this highest rating.Moreover, AURAK offers a culturally enriching experience. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, the university provides a unique blend of traditional Arab culture and modern amenities. International students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant and diverse community, enhancing their global perspectives and cultural understanding. The university’s campus is designed to support a comfortable and conducive learning environment, with state-of-the-art facilities, modern classrooms, and various student support services.In addition to academic and cultural benefits, AURAK is committed to providing a holistic educational experience. The university places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging students to engage in innovative projects and collaborate with faculty members on cutting-edge research. This focus on research is reflected in AURAK's rankings, particularly in fields such as Materials Science, Engineering, and Physics. Such opportunities enable students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for their future careers.Lastly, AURAK’s strategic location offers numerous advantages. Ras Al Khaimah is known for its scenic beauty, safe environment, and rapidly developing infrastructure. The emirate provides a high quality of life, with easy access to recreational activities, healthcare services, and international transportation links. This makes it an attractive destination for international students seeking both academic excellence and a fulfilling lifestyle.In conclusion, the American University of Ras Al Khaimah stands out as an ideal destination for international students due to its globally recognized accreditation, diverse academic programs, culturally rich environment, strong emphasis on research, and advantageous location. These factors combine to offer a comprehensive and enriching educational experience that prepares students for successful global careers.
