The original idea for the university had emanated from the Dubai-UK Trade and Economic Committee (DUKTEC), which comprised nominees of the Government of Dubai and the Government of the United Kingdom. It was first thought that a British university would assist with the recruitment and retention of British expatriate workers, but a subsequent survey was inconclusive on this point. There was already range of undergraduate provision in the emirate, and many undergraduates preferring to study away from home. Further, discussions intensified the opportunity for a research-based university to make a more substantial contribution to Dubai's development aspirations.[2]
BUiD was established as a not-for-profit institution. The University was established by Law #5/2003
by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai Its founders are Al Maktoum Foundation, Dubai Development and Investment Authority (now Dubai Holding), the National Bank of Dubai (now Emirates NBD), the British Business Group, and Rolls-Royce.
BUiD works in collaboration with leading organisations and institutions including its major
contributing partner Atkins, Knowledge Fund Establishment, and the UAE Ministry of Education, and government and associated bodies across the UAE’s public and private sectors.
Programmes
Bachelors Programmes:
Bachelor of Law
Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Finance
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Bachelor of Science in Electro-Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Cybersecurity)
Masters Programmes:
Master of Education
Master of Education in Management Leadership and Policy
Master of Education in Special and Inclusive Education
Master of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Master of Education in Information and Communication Technology
Master of Education in Science Education
Master of Education in Psychology (PSYCH)
Master of Education in Learning and Teaching
Master of Business Administration (MBA) (General)
Portfolio of Masters Programmes in Project Management (Project Management/Construction Project Management/Enterprise Project Risk Management/IT Project Management/Infrastructure Project Management)
Master of Science in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution
Master of Science in Engineering Management (Energy Management/ Maintenance and Reliability/Total Quality Management)
Master of Science in Structural Engineering
Master of Science in Informatics (Knowledge and Data Management)
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Sustainable Design of the Built Environment (Architectural Design/Interior Design/Smart Buildings/Urban Design)
PhD Programmes:
Doctor of Education and PhD in Education
Professional Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)