The American University in Dubai (AUD) has joined hands with Penn Medicine, part of the University of Pennsylvania, to establish the UAE’s first US-style medical school. The new institution will introduce a Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme in Dubai, designed to meet American education standards while reflecting the UAE’s national healthcare priorities.
Scheduled to open in 2027, the medical school will bring graduate-entry medical education to the country for the first time. Students will follow a four-year MD pathway, with the first two years focused on classroom and laboratory instruction, followed by two years of clinical training in partner hospitals across the UAE.
Importance of new school in the UAE
Dubai already attracts international universities, but until now, aspiring doctors often had to study abroad, particularly in the United States, to pursue an MD qualification. This initiative changes that by offering a globally recognised medical degree within the UAE.
The collaboration aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a hub for advanced education and healthcare. By training doctors locally, the school aims to reduce dependency on overseas talent while providing residents with access to world-class teaching and clinical facilities.
Partnership between AUD and Penn Medicine
The agreement was formalised by senior leaders from both institutions, including representatives from Penn Medicine’s Perelman School of Medicine, one of the top-ranked medical schools in the world. The partnership reflects a shared goal of combining academic excellence with healthcare innovation.
Penn Medicine will provide academic oversight, curriculum expertise, and guidance to ensure the programme matches the standards followed in the United States. Meanwhile, AUD will serve as the host institution in Dubai, building the physical and academic foundation for the new medical school.
A modern approach to medical education
Unlike traditional undergraduate entry routes common in the region, the AUD-Penn Medicine model requires students to hold a bachelor’s degree before admission. Applicants will need a strong academic record in sciences and will be expected to complete additional requirements, similar to the admissions process in the United States.
This graduate-entry model ensures candidates arrive with a broad academic background and the maturity to succeed in an intensive programme. It also raises the overall standard of medical training available in Dubai.
Boost to healthcare and research in the UAE
The school is expected to play a critical role in strengthening the UAE’s healthcare sector. With a growing population and an expanding focus on medical tourism, the demand for highly trained doctors continues to rise. Having a US-style medical programme in Dubai not only supports this demand but also helps prepare doctors who understand the local healthcare landscape.
The institution will also serve as a hub for medical research and innovation. Students and faculty will have opportunities to contribute to scientific studies, public health initiatives, and collaborations with leading hospitals. This is expected to advance the UAE’s ambition of being a global leader in health sciences and medical innovation.
Opportunities for aspiring doctors
For students in Dubai and across the UAE, this initiative opens the door to a globally recognised qualification without the financial and personal challenges of moving abroad. Emiratis and expatriates alike will be able to pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree that meets international standards while being rooted in the UAE’s healthcare system.
Graduates will also benefit from a programme that emphasises hands-on clinical experience in leading hospitals. This ensures they are well-prepared for careers in medicine locally, regionally, and internationally.
National and regional impact
The partnership between AUD and Penn Medicine supports the UAE’s long-term strategies in both healthcare and education. By creating a pipeline of skilled medical professionals, the country strengthens its healthcare system, supports medical tourism, and fosters innovation.
Regionally, this move sets Dubai apart as the first city in the Middle East to offer a full US-style MD programme. It underlines the emirate’s reputation as a forward-looking education and healthcare hub.
The AUD School of Medicine is scheduled to welcome its first intake in 2027. Details of admissions, including entry requirements, course structure, and scholarships, will be shared in advance. Hospitals and medical institutions across Dubai are also expected to play a key role as clinical partners, providing students with essential real-world training.
The establishment of the UAE’s first US-style medical school marks a significant step in shaping the future of education and healthcare in the country. It offers students new opportunities, enhances medical services, and contributes to Dubai’s position as a centre for excellence in higher education.
Read More:
- Post Malone, Benson Boone, and Loyle Carner to Headline Soundstorm 2025 in Riyadh – Social Kandura
- Dubai to Install 36 Battery Swapping Stations for Electric Delivery Bikes – Social Kandura
For more local news and updates on education, healthcare, and what’s happening across Dubai and the UAE, follow Social Kandura.
