An international agreement between the French Sorbonne University, and the government of Abu Dhabi was signed on 19 February 2006 with the aim of bringing to Abu Dhabi the bestinternational standards in higher education. PSUAD was established on 30 May 2006 by decree of the ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The University opened its doors on 7 October 2006 in a temporary building. On 6 December 2009, PSUAD moved into its permanent campus on Al Reem Island. PSUAD campus features approximately 93,000m2 of newly built, teaching and recreational facilities, including accommodation for students, a library that accommodates 200,000 books, a 700-seated guest-auditorium, a sports centre and a cafeteria. The campus of Abu Dhabi offers subjects as in Sorbonne-Paris and Paris-Descartes. Its teachings are exclusively delivered by lecturers from the Paris following the European Credit Transfer System. PSUAD is a full part of the European higher education area, the European unified system of higher education. The teaching language is French. Paris Descartes University or Paris V is a partner for the Economics and Law programmes. Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University or Paris VI will deliver a diploma in physics in English, beginning in September 2013.
Administration
PSUAD is ruled by Abu Dhabi Education Council. PSUAD is managed by a board of six members, three of whom are appointed by Paris-Sorbonne University, the other three are appointed by Abu Dhabi Executive Council. PSUAD President is Paris-Sorbonne President and chairman of the board according to the agreement. The university residence offers one type of rooms; that is the single accommodation. Two residence blocks are available; one for male students and another for female students. The university residence is adjacent to the main campus to facilitate students' daily commute. PSUAD campus is located near the center of Abu Dhabi city. Following the Paris Air Show 2017, the university has signed an agreement with the École nationale de l'aviation civile to develop a Master's degree course in international air transportoperations management.
