Berklee Abu Dhabi is the Middle East campus of the esteemed Berklee College of Music. It's housed in the former UAE Pavilion in the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island – a world-class leisure, residential, business and cultural hub housing the world’s largest single concentration of premier cultural assets.
Opened in 2020 through a partnership between Berklee and Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, this campus was Berklee's first educational venture in
...Location
Saadiyaat Island
Frequently asked questions about Berklee Abu Dhabi
Can I visit Berklee Abu Dhabi without enrolling in a course?
Yes. The centre regularly hosts concerts, masterclasses and public events throughout the year, and these are open to ticket holders and the wider community, not just enrolled students.
Does Berklee Abu Dhabi offer full degree programmes?
No. Programmes at the Abu Dhabi centre are non-degree and carry no college credit. Students wanting a full Berklee degree study at Berklee's campuses in Boston, at Boston Conservatory, at Berklee Valencia, or through Berklee Online, some of whom are supported by Berklee Abu Dhabi's fellowship fund to do so.
Where is Berklee Abu Dhabi located?
It's housed in the former UAE Pavilion in the Saadiyat Cultural District, next to Manarat Al Saadiyat, easily combined with a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi or other Saadiyat Island cultural sites.
Can I enrol in a course, or is it only for existing Berklee students?
Anyone can enrol. Berklee Abu Dhabi's workshops, masterclasses and certificate programmes are open enrolment, with no audition required and no age restriction, making it distinct from Berklee's degree campuses in Boston and Valencia.
What kind of courses and programmes are available?
Offerings span music production, songwriting, DJing and turntablism, film and video game scoring, dance, theatre and music business.
Is prior musical experience required to take part?
No formal audition or prior training is required for most workshops and courses, making the centre accessible to beginners as well as experienced musicians looking to develop specific skills.