The American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan realized his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of regional history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region.

The American University of Sharjah is a not-for-profit, independent, coeducational institution of higher education formed on the American model. AUS integrates liberal studies and professional education to give its graduates both breadth and specialization.

AUS works closely with the American University (AU) in Washington, DC, which provides the senior management personnel for AUS and allows for transfer of credits by students in good academic standing.