The Middle East is a hotbed of artistic innovation thanks to its many renowned art schools. These institutions offer diverse training in the fields of fine arts, design, architecture and applied arts. By training talented artists and designers, they play a vital role in the development of culture and creativity in the region.
These schools foster a dynamic learning environment where students can explore both artistic traditions and new trends. By encouraging experimentation and innovation, they help shape the future of art in the Middle East and position it on the global stage.
United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
Zayed University – College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, © Ahmed J via Wikipedia
- Zayed University – College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (Abu Dhabi, Dubai)
Zayed University's College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (CACE) aims to develop creative leaders in the arts and related industries. It offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with specializations in Interior Design, Graphic Design, Visual Arts and Animation.
Official website:
https://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/colleges/colleges/college_of_arts_and_creative_enterprises/index American University of Sharjah – College of Architecture, Art and Design (Sharjah)
The College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at the American University of Sharjah is recognized for its premier art and design programs in the United Arab Emirates. The Department of Art and Design offers programs in Visual Communication, Multimedia Design, and Design Management.
Official website : https://www.aus.edu/caadNew York University Abu Dhabi – Arts Program (Abu Dhabi)
The Arts Program at New York University Abu Dhabi offers an interdisciplinary education spanning visual arts, theater, music, and film. Students benefit from international exposure and collaborations with renowned artists.
Official website : https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/academics/undergraduate/majors/arts.htmlDubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) (Dubai)
The Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation is an institution dedicated to design education, offering a unique Bachelor of Design with personalized pathways.
Official website : https://didi.ac.ae/
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
- Prince Sultan University – College of Architecture and Design (Riyadh)
Prince Sultan University's College of Architecture and Design trains innovative professionals in architecture and design. Its alumni include Sultan Al-Otaibi , an architect renowned for his innovative projects in Saudi Arabia.
Official website: www.psu.edu.sa Dar Al-Hekma University – School of Design and Architecture (Jeddah)
Dar Al-Hekma University's School of Design and Architecture is famous for its design and architecture education. Ranya Basyuni , an interior designer, graduated from this school and is known for her contemporary projects that incorporate local cultural elements.
Official website: www.dah.edu.saPrincess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University – College of Art and Design (Riyadh)
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University's College of Art and Design offers programs in visual arts and design. Mashael Al-Mansour , a contemporary artist known for her installations and visual art works, is an alumnus of this institution.
Official website: www.pnu.edu.sa
Qatar 🇶🇦
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) (Doha), © VCUarts Qatar via Wikipedia
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) (Doha)
VCUarts Qatar is one of Qatar’s leading arts education institutions, offering programs in design, fine arts, photography, and other creative disciplines. The school is renowned for its stimulating creative environment and connections to the art industry. Alumni such as Diana Al-Hadid , a contemporary artist known for her innovative sculptures and installations, have helped put the institution on the international art scene.
Official website: www.qatar.vcu.edu Northwestern University in Qatar – Communication and Art Program (Doha)
The Communication and Art program at Northwestern University in Qatar offers an interdisciplinary education that integrates communication, art, and media. Students benefit from a hands-on approach and opportunities for exhibition around the world. Figures such as Joud Al-Emadi , an emerging artist and designer, have studied here and have become known for their contributions to Qatari contemporary art.
Official website: www.qatar.northwestern.edu
Lebanon 🇱🇧
- Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (ALBA) (Beirut)
ALBA is a leading institution for visual arts and design in Lebanon, offering programs in fine arts, graphic design, architecture and more. Notable artists such as Ayman Baalbaki , known for his contemporary works and social engagement, are ALBA alumni.
Official website: www.alba.edu.lb American University of Beirut (AUB) – Department of Architecture and Design (Beirut)
AUB’s Department of Architecture and Design is known for its rigorous and innovative approach to design and architecture. Renowned architects such as Zaha Hadid (who has lectured at AUB), although she is not a graduate of the institution, have inspired many students. Graduates such as Hassan Ragab , an architect known for his sustainable development projects, have also left their mark on the Lebanese architectural scene.
Official website: www.aub.edu.lbHoly Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) – Faculty of Fine Arts and Design (Kaslik)
USEK's Faculty of Fine Arts and Design offers programs in visual arts, graphic design, and contemporary art. Its alumni include Gabi Hage , a contemporary artist whose work has been exhibited internationally. The institution is known for its commitment to promoting culture and art in Lebanon.
Official website: www.usek.edu.lb
Jordan 🇯🇴
- University of Jordan – Faculty of Arts and Design (Amman)
The Faculty of Arts and Design at the University of Jordan is one of the country's leading academic institutions, offering programs in visual arts, design, music, and theater. It has produced many influential artists and creators, including Laila Abu-Shaqra , a contemporary artist whose works explore cultural identity and social issues.
Official website: www.ju.edu.jo German Jordanian University – School of Architecture and Built Environment (Amman)
The School of Architecture and Built Environment at the German Jordanian University focuses on education in architecture, urban planning and interior design. The school is renowned for its hands-on approach and collaborations with international experts. Its graduates include Nadia Taan , an architect involved in sustainable development and urban revitalization projects in Jordan.
Official website: www.gju.edu.jo
Egypt 🇪🇬
- Helwan University – Faculty of Fine Arts (Cairo)
Helwan University's Faculty of Fine Arts is one of the oldest and most respected art institutions in Egypt, offering programs in fine arts, design, architecture, and theater. It has trained influential artists such as Mohamed Abla , a contemporary painter known for his works that explore Egyptian culture and identity.
Official website: www.helwan.edu.eg American University in Cairo – Department of the Arts (Cairo)
The Department of the Arts at the American University in Cairo offers interdisciplinary training in visual arts, music, theater and film. Graduates such as Lina Nabil , a multidisciplinary artist, have left their mark on the art scene.
Official website: www.aucegypt.eduAlexandria University – Faculty of Fine Arts (Alexandria)
The Faculty of Fine Arts at Alexandria University offers programs in visual arts, architecture and design. It has produced many renowned artists, such as Salah El-Mahdi , a painter and sculptor whose works are exhibited in galleries around the world.
Official website: www.alexu.edu.eg
Iran 🇮🇷
- University of Tehran – College of Fine Arts (Tehran)
The College of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran is one of the most prestigious institutions in Iran, offering programs in fine arts, graphic design, film, and architecture. Renowned artists such as Parviz Tanavoli , an influential sculptor and painter, studied here and are known for their contributions to contemporary Iranian art.
Official website: www.ut.ac.ir Tehran University of Art (Tehran)
Tehran University of Art specializes in artistic disciplines, offering courses in visual arts, design, music, and theater. The institution has trained renowned artists such as Abbas Kiarostami , a film director and photographer, considered one of Iran's greatest filmmakers.
Official website: www.tuad.ac.irSoore University (Tehran)
Soore University is known for its programs in visual arts and cinema, and it aims to promote culture and art in Iran. Artists such as Shirin Neshat , a renowned visual artist whose works deal with themes of identity and the condition of women, have a connection to this institution.
Official website: www.soore.ac.ir
Turkey 🇹🇷
Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, © Alexxx1979 via Wikipedia
- Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (Istanbul)
Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University is one of the leading art schools in Turkey, offering programs in fine arts, architecture, design and applied arts. It is renowned for its contribution to art education in Turkey. Its alumni include Ahmet Güneştekin , a contemporary artist known for his works that integrate elements of Turkish culture and social reflections.
Official website: www.msfsa.edu.tr Istanbul Technical University – Faculty of Architecture (Istanbul)
The Faculty of Architecture at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) is renowned for its rigorous approach to architecture and urban planning. It has produced many influential architects, such as Turgut Cansever , a famous architect who contributed to the development of the modern architectural movement in Turkey.
Official website: www.itu.edu.trBilkent University – Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (Ankara)
Bilkent University Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture offers programs in art, graphic design, architecture and interior design. It is known for its academic excellence and innovative pedagogy. Ertan Tüzün , an architect and designer known for his contemporary projects, is an alumnus of this institution.
Official website: www.bilkent.edu.tr
Jean Dubreil