One of Abu Dhabi's premier state universities promoting Islamic and Arabic culture in its modernized form, fostering respect for human rights, harmony, and moderation.
About Our University
Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities stands as a beacon of academic excellence, dedicated to preserving and advancing Islamic and Arabic cultural heritage.
Shaping Future Leaders in Humanities
Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities is one of Abu Dhabi's premier state universities offering a wide range of academic programs in the humanities, social sciences, and philosophy. We are proud to promote Islamic and Arabic culture in its modernized form in alignment with our core values which constitute respect for human rights, harmony, and moderation. We offer graduate and postgraduate degrees in Islamic Studies and Arabic Language and Literature. We help our students to become globally aware, and to have a positive impact in the world. The university's main campus is in Abu Dhabi with a satellite campus in Ajman, Al Dhafra Branch.
Our Mission
We contribute to building a sustainable humanistic knowledge future within an advanced educational and research environment that establishes human values, strengthens national identity, and develops intellectual and religious competencies capable of innovation and global leadership.
Zayed's Legacy
Preserving Sheikh Zayed's legacy and drawing lessons and wisdom from it.
Tolerance & Coexistence
Making the values of tolerance a practical standard for academic content and students, respecting diversity and difference, spreading peace, and rooting intellectual moderation in educational curricula.
Human Fraternity
Consolidating human fraternity and the principles of coexistence between peoples and cultures, and sensing their civilizational depth and importance.
Welcome Statements
Welcome messages from the university leadership — together we aspire to achieve academic excellence and leadership in the humanities
H.E. Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei
“Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities stands as a leading institution of learning in the United Arab Emirates, a center of academic excellence, a hub of knowledge, and a research community with a global mission. It shapes the future while preserving the values and national identity.”
H.E. Dr. Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, the first university in the United Arab Emirates to specialize in humanities studies. In just a short period of time, the university has established itself as a premier educational institution.”
Academic Programs
Discover our comprehensive range of undergraduate, diploma, master's, and doctoral programs designed to advance knowledge in humanities and Islamic studies.
College of Islamic Studies
The College of Islamic Studies at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities offers a comprehensive bachelor's program in Islamic Studies, combining required and elective coursework. Students learn to understand the objectives of Islamic law and apply them in practice, to analyze religious texts and derive rulings from them, and to address the intellectual and cultural questions of contemporary items. The program prepares graduates to support religious tolerance, intellectual integrity, and sustainable development in their communities. The degree consists of 120 credit hours across 40 courses. These include 39 hours of general university requirements, 24 hours of required and elective subjects, and 57 hours of major subjects. Students also complete an internship and a capstone project that put their coursework into practice. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or its equivalent, a minimum score of 75 in Arabic or a passing result on the university's Arabic proficiency test, and a personal interview. To graduate, students must complete all coursework with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale (70 percent) and pass the field placement, the capstone project, and a final comprehensive examination. Courses are offered in person, online, and in blended mode. Throughout the program, students receive academic advising and support, along with modern facilities and technology that prepare them for work in religious and community settings.
College of Social and Human Sciences
The College of Social and Human Sciences at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities strives for leadership and excellence in an educational environment built on moderation and tolerance. It offers programs including a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Ethics and a Bachelor of Social Studies in Tolerance and Peace. The college equips students with high-quality knowledge and critical thinking skills, fosters national values and social responsibility, and prepares graduates for both the labor market and advanced academic research.
College of Arts & Languages
The College of Arts and Languages at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities offers programs in literature and languages that prepare graduates to serve their communities and strengthen their cultural life and intellectual pursuits. The college has two departments: the Department of Arabic Language, which offers the Bachelor of Arabic Language, and the Department of Languages, which offers the Bachelor of Russian Language. Both programs are built to meet current academic standards and to reflect developments in the field. The college's goal is to teach and support research in literature and languages within an environment that encourages original thinking, in keeping with the priorities of the United Arab Emirates and its national identity. Its aims include establishing modern programs that meet international standards and use current technology in language instruction, teaching students through a rigorous, source-based approach that develops their independence, and strengthening their skills in communication, critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. The college also prepares students for serious research in literature, language, and linguistics. The college works to develop well-rounded graduates who value competence and innovation, take pride in their country, and remain open to other cultures, so they can contribute at home and abroad. Its mission is to give students the academic knowledge and practical skills the field requires, along with the habits of leadership and independent thinking that prepare them to publish original work and to help address the questions their society faces.
College of Graduate Studies
The College of Graduate Studies at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities gives students the support and resources to carry out advanced research in Islamic Studies and the humanities. Its accredited programs help students produce work that draws on classical scholarship while applying current methods, in line with recognized international standards for research quality. The college trains scholars who will serve the ideals and goals of the United Arab Emirates and strengthen the university's standing among academic institutions worldwide. This purpose reflects the nation's commitment to developing capable graduates, both Emirati and expatriate (or international) students, who can address the questions of a changing world with sound scholarship, clear judgment, and disciplined research. Guided by the university's strategic priorities, the college keeps teaching and research intertwined. Graduate students take part in specialized research groups and scholarly projects tied to the university's programs in Islamic Studies, Arabic Language and Literature, and the humanities across many fields.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Join the distinguished community of researchers at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities.
Publications & Magazines
Explore the latest scholarly publications and periodical journals from Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities
Accreditations & Memberships
Latest News & Events
Stay updated with the latest developments, achievements, and events from Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities.
Featured News
Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities to host ‘Education in the Service of the Family: From Vision to Impact’ Conference
Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities will host the "Education in the Service of the Family: From Vision to Impact" Conference from 15th to 17th September 2026, under the patronage of H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. The conference is organised in partnership with the Education Interface platform as part of its 2026 events.
Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities receives International Quality Accreditation from UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education
Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities has received international quality accreditation from the UK's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), reflecting the university's commitment to the highest standards of academic and institutional excellence.
Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities Hosts Sheikha Al Yazia bint Nahyan for Counter-Globalization and Cultural Identity Discussions
As part of its cultural and academic programming, Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities hosted Sheikha Al Yazia bint Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for a discussion on counter-globalization and the recovery of cultural distinctiveness. The session took place at the university’s main campus in Abu Dhabi and was attended by faculty members, scholars, members of the cultural community, and students.
Ministry of Interior and Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities Launch University Study Program for Inmates of Punitive and Correctional Institutions
The Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Punitive and Correctional Institutions within the Assistant Undersecretary Sector for Security Affairs, and Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities have launched a university study program for inmates of punitive and correctional institutions. The program expands access to education and rehabilitation and gives inmates a structured path toward academic and intellectual development.
Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities Opens Applications for 10 Academic Programs Across Its Campuses Abu Dhabi:
Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) has opened admissions for the Spring 2027 semester in 10 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and postgraduate diploma levels. Applications will be accepted from October 19 through December 18, 2026, at the university’s campuses across the United Arab Emirates, with program availability varying by campus.
Nahyan bin Mubarak attends graduation ceremony for 2026 cohort of Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, highlighted His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s, President of the UAE, commitment to universities and colleges across the country and his firm belief in the role of effective, high-quality education in advancing society. His Excellency emphasised His Highness’s consistent message that people are the nation’s true wealth and that education is the surest means of enabling them to participate fully in the UAE’s development and realise their aspirations for dignified, successful lives marked by contribution and achievement.
Zayed Foundation for Education signs a memorandum of understanding with Mohammad Bin Zayed University for Humanities, as part of the 'Partnerships for the Future' forum.
Zayed Education Foundation has signed 14 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with government, universities and scientific research partners to support scholarships, leadership development and research and help develop the next generation of young leaders.
MBZUH concludes international conference in Italy with recommendations on AI, joint publication
The First International Conference on Religious Studies, organised by Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) in the Italian city of Padua, concluded with seven principal recommendations in its final statement, including launching a religious common ground project, expanding academic exchange and joint scholarly publication, and developing pathways for translating specialised research.