Hands-on filming
Film students have used cameras ranging from phones and DSLRs to proper cinematic cameras, with practical filming and post-production work.
SAE University College Dubai
Dubai Internet City
SAE University College Dubai is a creative-media university in Dubai Internet City, with degree programmes and short courses built around practical work. Reviews highlight hands-on filmmaking, photography, audio and graphic design training, including access to cameras, studio equipment and editing computers.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
345 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Tailored courses
Short-course tutors asked about each learner’s goals, then adjusted videography and editing sessions to suit their level and needs.
Practical audio
The Audio Engineering Training Course included studio equipment setup, teardown and hands-on exercises that made EQ and compression easier to understand.
Learning support
Students who struggle can access free tutors, while lecturers may also offer consultation hours for help with coursework.
Useful equipment
A photography short course provided both a camera and a Mac for editing, which is helpful if you are visiting Dubai briefly.
Project-based design
Visual Design students describe learning Adobe tools, content creation and design through project-based work rather than only theory.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check syllabus. Before booking a short course, confirm exactly what will be taught and when: one photography attendee found the content and timing different from expectations.
Ask about software. If you join a degree programme, ask which paid software and resources you must cover yourself, as one graduate said Adobe software was not included.
Use tutoring. If project work becomes difficult, ask about the free tutoring and lecturer consultation hours rather than trying to work through it alone.
Pack time wisely. For a short Dubai stay, look for compact formats: one photography course ran for one month on Saturdays and supplied a camera and Mac.
Expect projects. Choose SAE if you prefer assessment through making and submitting projects; a former student said most programmes do not use regular exams.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Block 2 Ground Floor
Al Sufouh - Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai
| Mon | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tue | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wed | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thu | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Fri | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
Popular Mentions
Introduction to Graphic Design
This beginner course was described as a thorough introduction to design fundamentals with clear, supportive instruction.
Electronic Music Production Course
A reviewer recommends this course for beginners interested in pursuing music or exploring it as a hobby.
UI/UX short course
The UI/UX short course was praised for welcoming instruction, clear explanations and an atmosphere where questions felt comfortable.
Adobe After Effects short course
This motion-design course was described as well structured, hands-on and supported by clear explanations.
Common Concerns
Basic coverage
One graduate felt the teaching covered core principles but did not consistently take students to an advanced professional level.
Small campus
A graduate described the campus as only about one and a half floors inside another university’s buildings, with limited lounge facilities.
Limited social life
One former student found there was little to do after class and said students often left after their three-hour sessions.
Uneven teaching
Reviews are strongly positive overall, but one graduate reported slow, disorganised management and lecturers who struggled to teach clearly.
Course value
A photography-course attendee said the content and timing differed from expectations and hoped for more value relative to the price.
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The Bottom Line
SAE University College Dubai in Dubai Internet City is centred on creative media, with bachelor’s programmes and shorter courses for people who want to learn by making things. Reviews mention filmmaking, graphic design, digital marketing, UI/UX, photography, audio engineering, animation and games development, but the clearest strengths are the practical sessions: film learners have handled everything from phones and DSLRs to cinematic cameras, while audio students have set up studio equipment and practised EQ and compression. Short courses can be a good way to test a subject without committing to a degree.
The photography course, for example, ran over one month on Saturdays, and a participant was given a camera and Mac for editing. Other reviewers found the graphic design, After Effects, UI/UX and electronic music courses structured, interactive and approachable for beginners. Several tutors were praised for adapting lessons to the student’s level and goals.
The longer-term experience is less consistent. One graduate described limited campus space and social life, while another felt students often had to teach themselves beyond the basics. Ask about the exact syllabus, assessment style, software costs and available academic support before enrolling.
Reviews also include serious criticism of management and individual teaching, so course-specific questions are worth asking rather than assuming every department works the same way.