Discover the

College of Architecture, Art & Design

at American University of Sharjah

The UAE's leading university for architecture, art and design.

The College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah is shaping the future of art and design for the region. From designing some of the UAE's most iconic structures and interior spaces, to receiving global acclaim for design and innovation, our faculty and alumni are leading in the areas of architecture, interior design, design management, multimedia design and visual communication.
Because tomorrow matters.

Choose from five majors and five minors at the undergraduate level.

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Take it from the experts.

CAAD's internationally accredited programs, high regional and global rankings and award-winning faculty, alumni and students speak for themselves.

#1 in the UAE for art and design

Ranked number one in the UAE and among the top 200 universities globally for art and design (QS World University Subject Rankings, 2023)

#1 in the UAE for architecture and the built environment

Ranked number one in the UAE and among the top 200 universities globally for architecture and the built environment (QS World University Subject Rankings, 2023)

Discover the CAAD experience

Foundations Year

All of our students complete our regionally acclaimed one-year foundations program before advancing into their major field of study. Through this year, students grow in both skill and knowledge through an experiential encounter with the basic practical and critical principles of design.

Designing and Making

CAAD Labs are at the center of our “culture of making” and our commitment to providing comprehensive to design education. Students are encouraged to explore and experiment in their practice of cross-disciplinary design and facilitate the production of full-scale designs right here on campus at AUS.

Rewarding Opportunities

CAAD faculty, alumni and students consistently receive awards and recognition for their creative and academic work through taking part in major international and region competitions. These have included the Agha Khan Award for Architecture, Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award, Architectural Education Awards, Global Undergraduate Awards and Core77 Design Awards.

AUS’ meticulous program kick-started my foundation for design thinking. The high-profile professors involved in teaching each course are focused on building the students up for success by pushing their boundaries and challenging their skill set during each stage of the program.

Hala AlSabouni

Interior Design Manager, Ellington Properties | Bachelor of Interior Design, Minor in Design Management