AUD Achieves Gold Status in Unreal Academic Partnership
The Center for Research, Innovation, and Design (CRID) at the American University in Dubai (AUD) has announced the renewal and upgrade of its Unreal Academic Partnership to Gold status, marking a significant milestone for the institution. This achievement positions AUD as the first and only university in the GCC region to attain this prestigious distinction.
Advancing Innovation in Design Education
The renewed partnership reflects AUD’s successful fulfillment of the program’s requirements since its launch in 2022 and demonstrates the university’s sustained commitment to advancing innovation in design education through cutting-edge technologies. By consistently incorporating Twinmotion through Unreal Engine into courses across the Architecture, Interior Design, and Visual Communication departments within the School of Architecture, Art, and Design, CRID continues to enhance experiential learning, real-time visualization, and applied research.
“The renewal and upgrade of our Unreal Academic Partnership to Gold status is a significant milestone for the School of Architecture, Art, and Design (SAAD),” said Georges Kachaamy, Director of the Center for Research, Innovation and Design (CRID) and Professor of Architecture. “It reflects AUD’s sustained commitment to integrating advanced real-time technologies into research and design education, and reinforces our position as a regional leader in innovation-driven academic partnerships.”
Benefits of the Unreal Engine Partnership
Unreal Engine remains one of the world’s most advanced real-time 3D creation platforms, and the renewed partnership ensures that AUD students continue to benefit from its transformative capabilities. The collaboration provides access to a range of exclusive opportunities, including:
- The Unreal Engine Marketplace for accessing digital assets
- Advanced 3D digital asset management tools
- ArtStation Pro upgrades for professional portfolio development
- Participation in the Unreal Student Showcase
- Engagement with the Unreal Educators Community
Preparing Students for Industry Success
With this renewed partnership, AUD further reinforces its dedication to pioneering educational experiences that merge creativity, technology, and design excellence. The collaboration prepares students to engage confidently with industry-standard tools and global innovation ecosystems, giving them a competitive edge in their future careers.
The integration of Unreal Engine technologies across multiple departments demonstrates AUD’s interdisciplinary approach to education, where students from different fields can collaborate and apply advanced visualization tools to their respective disciplines. This approach not only enhances technical skills but also fosters creative problem-solving and innovative thinking.
AUD’s Commitment to Technological Excellence
This achievement aligns with AUD’s broader mission to produce holistic, creative, interdisciplinary, and transformative graduates for the sustainable advancement of society. The university’s investment in advanced technologies and strategic partnerships reflects its commitment to staying at the forefront of educational innovation in the region.
The Gold status renewal also underscores AUD’s position as a leader in the GCC’s higher education landscape, particularly in the integration of real-time technologies into academic programs. This recognition validates the university’s approach to combining traditional design principles with cutting-edge digital tools.
Explore AUD’s Programs
Interested in experiencing AUD’s innovative approach to education firsthand? The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines, all designed to prepare students for success in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
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For more information about AUD’s programs, admissions requirements, and the application process, visit the Admissions section of the university’s website.
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The renewal and upgrade of AUD’s Unreal Academic Partnership to Gold status represents more than just a technical achievement—it symbolizes the university’s unwavering commitment to providing students with the tools, knowledge, and experiences they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. As the first and only university in the GCC to achieve this distinction, AUD continues to set the standard for innovation in higher education.
