Founded in 1976 by the country's first President, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,[2] it is the oldest university in the United Arab Emirates and offers courses in various subjects up to post-graduation.

(4) issued by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates on 7 July 1976.

[15] The Vice-Chancellor is responsible for the management of the university as well as policy and strategic planning, budget and financial activities, external relations, and alumni.

In addition to undergraduate and graduate programs, the UAEU conducts continuous education courses and vocational certificates for the community across all disciplines and hosts the Emirates Health Services, which provides medical skills training.

In November 2016, the University held its first ever symposium on Biological Sciences "GENOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS" attended by experts from different parts of the world.