American University of Ras Al Khaimah

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is a public non-profit, independent, coeducation institution of higher education that delivers an integrated American-style, undergraduate and graduate education with a strong focus on the local indigenous culture.

Over the past three years, the University has developed new academic programs, attracted new faculty and staff, and significantly increased its student enrollment. This rapid change has required an adaptable organizational structure to accommodate the effective and efficient delivery of programs and services. Consequently, in 2013, vice president positions were added. As part of the same process, the Office of International Programs, the Teaching and Learning Center, the Development Office, and the Center for Continuing Education were all established. The new organizational structure also included the creation of four academic schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, the School of Business, and the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Today, AURAK’s strategy is to focus its efforts on cultivating excellence within existing curricular offerings while improving policies and procedures across the institution. Student enrollment is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 35% over the next five years. It is also expected that, with an increasingly strong global economy, AURAK will capture the attention of educators, economists, business entrepreneurs, and other professionals who want to take advantage of the programs and services the institution offers, meeting national and regional workforce needs and earning the University regional and global recognition.

Vision

Through inspired teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement, AURAK set a new standard in the Gulf Region for student-centered excellence that empowers graduates to change the world.

Mission

To be a leading institution in the Gulf Region, the American University of Ras Al Khaimah:

• Provides a transformational, student-centered learning experience based on the North American model of higher education enriched by attention to the culture of the region.
• Engages students, faculty, and staff in innovative undergraduate and graduate programs that generate high-impact research.
• Prepares future leaders and entrepreneurs through community outreach and creative initiatives involving local, regional, and global partners.

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah pursues this mission as an independent, public, state-owned, non-profit, coeducational institution.