The American University in Dubai (AUD) is a private, non-sectarian institution of higher learning founded in 1995. It serves UAE nationals and international students from all over the world and offers them an American-style education. The university is accredited regionally by the UAE Ministry of Education and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States. AUD has been ranked as the 3rd world’s most diverse university. Its multi-complex facility is situated on grounds of approximately 1.300.000 sq ft (120.000 m2) next to Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, and the Palm Islands.