Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is a private university established in 2003. It operates under the ownership of Abu Dhabi Education & Knowledge (ADEK), a government-affiliated entity, but functions as an independent institution with private funding and governance.
ADU offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, adhering to international accreditation standards. While it receives some government support, its tuition-based model and operational structure classify it as a private higher education institution.