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, reaffirming its position as the first and only university in the GCC to achieve this distinction.

The renewal recognizes AUD’s successful fulfillment of the partnership’s requirements since its launch in 2022, and reflects its sustained commitment to advancing innovation in design education through the integration of cutting-edge technologies.

Through the consistent incorporation of 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). 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. Through this collaboration, we continue to expand the boundaries of how emerging technologies can shape design thinking, creative practice, and applied research.”
Georges Kachaamy, Director of the Center for Research, Innovation and Design (CRID) and Professor of Architecture

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, advanced 3D digital asset management, ArtStation Pro upgrades, participation in the Unreal Student Showcase, and engagement with the Unreal Educators Community.

With this renewed partnership, AUD further reinforces its dedication to pioneering educational experiences that merge creativity, technology, and design excellence, while preparing students to engage confidently with industry-standard tools and global innovation ecosystems.