As thousands of final-year students in the UAE submit their applications to local universities, we take a look at some of the best higher education options in the Emirates and what they have to offer
Where is it from?
Sharjah
When was it founded?
1997
What is it?
American University of Sharjah is one of the largest and best-established stand-alone universities in the UAE. It was founded by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, nearly a quarter of a century ago. AUS offers courses in a host of subjects in the arts, business, design, humanities, science, social sciences and technology. In line with its large size and substantial research base, it performs well in international rankings (and is 7th in the QS listings for the Arab region).
Where is it based?
University City, Sharjah.
How has it handled the Covid-19 pandemic?
AUS makes the health and safety of students and the wider community a priority.
The university quickly adapted to online learning in 2020, supplemented by online student success initiatives. AUS also attempted to maintain an active social and extra-curricular life through virtual activities and events.
Important events were held virtually. During 2020 and 2021, graduating students were honoured through online celebrations. More recently, face-to-face graduation events have been held for students whose graduation could previously not take place in-person.
AUS has taken steps to address financial hardship by extending merit scholarship renewals, increasing need-based support and initiating a Covid-19 Summer Support Fund. With the return to face-to-face learning in all classes from January 31, 2022, AUS continues to prioritise health and safety, adhering to directives from the UAE Ministry of Education.
What are examples of the tuition fees?
Dh384,560 – bachelor’s degrees (four years at Dh96,140 per year. Architecture is a five-year course).
Dh156,750 – master of urban planning
Dh113,700 – master of science in mathematics
Dh285,000 – doctor of philosophy in business administration
(additional fees, such as lab fees and application fees, may apply)
AUS offers “a comprehensive merit and need-based financial aid programme for undergraduate students and graduate assistantship opportunities for graduate students”.
What subject areas does it teach?
Bachelor’s degrees include architecture, biology, business administration, chemistry, computer science, design management, economics, engineering (several sub-disciplines), English language and literature, environmental sciences, interior design, international studies, mass communication, mathematics, multimedia design, physics, psychology, visual communications.
Master’s degrees include accounting, business administration, construction management, engineering (several sub-disciplines), engineering systems management, finance, mathematics, teaching English to speakers of other languages, translation and interpreting, urban planning.
Doctoral degrees include business administration, engineering systems management, and materials science and engineering.
As well as degree programmes, there are courses and minors in many subjects.
What doesn't it teach?
Agriculture, anthropology, archaeology, biochemistry, classics, criminology, dentistry, geology, law, medicine, modern languages, sports science and veterinary medicine.
Where is it ranked globally?
348th – QS World University Rankings
801st – 1000th – Times Higher Education World University Rankings
In the global QS subject area rankings, AUS is ranked in 11 subject areas and is in the 150–200 category in Arts and Design, Architecture and the Built Environment, Civil Engineering, and Accounting and Finance.
Who goes there?
There are 5,198 students from 86 countries. The best-represented country is the UAE, followed by Egypt, then, jointly, India and Jordan.
Who has gone there?
- Sarah Al Amiri, a computer science graduate, is the Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency.
- Adib Fahim, who studied for a bachelor’s degree in international relations, went on to become Afghanistan’s deputy intelligence chief.
- Lubna Al Qasimi studied for an executive MBA at AUS. She was the first woman to become a minister in the UAE government and has held positions including Minister of State for Tolerance.
A message from Dr Susan Mumm, chancellor of American University of Sharjah:
American University of Sharjah (AUS) is an independent, non-profit, co-educational institution offering a transformative experience that provides a foundation for future success.
The university offers one of the region’s most comprehensive need and merit-based scholarship programmes, which ensure broad access to higher education.
Students who join AUS are supported through a comprehensive First-Year Experience (FYE) programme, which is intended to facilitate the transition to university life.
An AUS education encourages intellectual discovery and critical reflection, promotes an appreciation of the various modes of human inquiry, and develops the knowledge and skills to contribute to the Gulf region and the world at large.
Accomplished full-time faculty members who are recognised in their fields offer degree programmes at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.
Students at all levels have opportunities to work with faculty on research and creative projects that have an impact in the region and beyond.
In addition to providing a stimulating academic environment, the university supports a rich and varied programme of extra- and co-curricular activities with more than 70 student clubs and organisations.
AUS alumni have achieved tremendous success and are sought after by top graduate programmes and employers.
From supporting the Emirates Mars Mission to being awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture, alumni are making a difference through their work in government, science, creative fields, non-profit organisations and business.
Pathaan
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Second ODI
England 322-7 (50 ovs)
India 236 (50 ovs)
England win by 86 runs
Next match: Tuesday, July 17, Headingley
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
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11 cabbie-recommended restaurants and dishes to try in Abu Dhabi
Iqbal Restaurant behind Wendy’s on Hamdan Street for the chicken karahi (Dh14)
Pathemari in Navy Gate for prawn biryani (from Dh12 to Dh35)
Abu Al Nasar near Abu Dhabi Mall, for biryani (from Dh12 to Dh20)
Bonna Annee at Navy Gate for Ethiopian food (the Bonna Annee special costs Dh42 and comes with a mix of six house stews – key wet, minchet abesh, kekel, meser be sega, tibs fir fir and shiro).
Al Habasha in Tanker Mai for Ethiopian food (tibs, a hearty stew with meat, is a popular dish; here it costs Dh36.75 for lamb and beef versions)
Himalayan Restaurant in Mussaffa for Nepalese (the momos and chowmein noodles are best-selling items, and go for between Dh14 and Dh20)
Makalu in Mussaffa for Nepalese (get the chicken curry or chicken fry for Dh11)
Al Shaheen Cafeteria near Guardian Towers for a quick morning bite, especially the egg sandwich in paratha (Dh3.50)
Pinky Food Restaurant in Tanker Mai for tilapia
Tasty Zone for Nepalese-style noodles (Dh15)
Ibrahimi for Pakistani food (a quarter chicken tikka with roti costs Dh16)
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Fight card
Bantamweight
Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) v Rey Nacionales (PHI)
Lightweight
Alexandru Chitoran (ROM) v Hussein Fakhir Abed (SYR)
Catch 74kg
Tohir Zhuraev (TJK) v Omar Hussein (JOR)
Strawweight (Female)
Weronika Zygmunt (POL) v Seo Ye-dam (KOR)
Featherweight
Kaan Ofli (TUR) v Walid Laidi (ALG)
Lightweight
Leandro Martins (BRA) v Abdulla Al Bousheiri (KUW)
Welterweight
Ahmad Labban (LEB) v Sofiane Benchohra (ALG)
Bantamweight
Jaures Dea (CAM) v Nawras Abzakh (JOR)
Lightweight
Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Glen Ranillo (PHI)
Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) v Aidan Aguilera (AUS)
Welterweight
Mounir Lazzez (TUN) Sasha Palatnikov (HKG)
Featherweight title bout
Romando Dy (PHI) v Lee Do-gyeom (KOR)
RESULTS
Bantamweight: Jalal Al Daaja (JOR) beat Hamza Bougamza (MAR)
Catchweight 67kg: Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR) beat Fouad Mesdari (ALG)
Lightweight: Abdullah Mohammed Ali (UAE) beat Abdelhak Amhidra (MAR)
Catchweight 73kg: Mosatafa Ibrahim Radi (PAL) beat Yazid Chouchane (ALG)
Middleweight: Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) beat Badreddine Diani (MAR)
Catchweight 78KG: Rashed Dawood (UAE) beat Adnan Bushashy (ALG)
Middleweight: Sallah-Eddine Dekhissi (MAR) beat Abdel Enam (EGY)
Catchweight 65kg: Yanis Ghemmouri (ALG) beat Rachid Hazoume (MAR)
Lightweight: Mohammed Yahya (UAE) beat Azouz Anwar (EGY)
Catchweight 79kg: Souhil Tahiri (ALG) beat Omar Hussein (PAL)
Middleweight: Tarek Suleiman (SYR) beat Laid Zerhouni (ALG)