For the third time since its opening in 1995, The American University in Dubai has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), one of America 's seven regional accrediting commissions. The announcement was made at the SACS Annual Meeting held in New Orleans on December 8-11 2007 and represents the culmination of a rigorous process of inspection and evaluation, including a visit to the university in March by a SACS Accreditation Committee.

4,000 educators from over 800 universities gathered at the largest annual SACS meeting in history, at which AUD's direct accreditation was a historic first. AUD is the first and only institution outside of the US and Latin America to be granted this honor by SACS.

Dr. Lance de Masi , AUD President, commented on the significance of this endorsement: “AUD has always prided itself in offering a genuinely American educational experience. Of course, this goes beyond accreditation. Nevertheless, the university's direct accreditation by SACS according to a process implemented exactly as it would be in the U.S. speaks to AUD's standards and the experience we offer”.

Mr. Elias Bou Saab, AUD Executive Vice President, stated: “AUD is proud to continue Dubai 's tradition of being the ‘city of firsts,' and is honored to participate in fostering international recognition for Dubai and the UAE's educational endeavors. This achievement by AUD is its latest initiative within the plans and challenges for education articulated by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in his Strategic Plans for Dubai and the UAE .”