1) Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) — Dubai, UAE

What they offer: HBMSU is the UAE’s accredited smart university designed around online delivery. The university markets accredited online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs as part of its core model (business, education, health/management tracks and professional short programs). Check the official program pages and HBMSU’s online catalog for program lists and entry details.

Why include them: HBMSU was created specifically to deliver high-quality, fully online higher education for the Emirates and international students — it’s a primary example of a purpose-built online public/private university in the region.

2) Egyptian E-Learning University (EELU) — Egypt

What they offer: EELU was established to deliver flexible online and distance degrees across several levels. The university advertises fully online bachelor’s and master’s programs (with e-learning systems and virtual classrooms central to delivery). Use EELU’s admissions and study-system pages for current program lists.

Why include them: EELU represents the national move in Egypt to offer accredited degree pathways designed from the ground up for remote learners.

3) Sharjah Mission University for Distance Education (SMUDE) — Sharjah, UAE (registered as 100% online)

What they offer: SMUDE presents itself as a 100% online institution in the UAE and lists online bachelor’s, master’s and professional certificate options on its website. (Review SMUDE’s accreditation and program pages before applying — the institution’s site provides details.)

Why include them: SMUDE is an example of newer private providers in the Emirates that specifically position themselves as fully online institutions; these providers are growing fast and are often aimed at working professionals.

4) Arab Open University (AOU) — multiple branches across the region (Oman, Kuwait, Egypt, etc.)

What they offer: AOU follows a flexible/blended (open-learning) model and has long been a regional leader in distance education. Many AOU branches provide blended and online-friendly degree tracks, with extensive LMS support and online tutorials; some programs can be completed largely through distance learning. See the AOU portals for branch-specific program delivery details (Oman branch shown as an example).

Why include them: The AOU is historically important in the Arab world’s distance-learning ecosystem; its model illustrates how public/private partnerships deliver flexible credentials across countries.

5) City / Specialized Units & Traditional Universities offering online degrees or official distance units

Many established universities now publish fully online or fully remote degree options (usually for master’s level or professional doctorates). Examples you can check and verify via their distance-learning units:

• United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) — has an online/distance learning support unit and publishes online course offerings and some professional master’s options.

• University of Sharjah / other UAE universities — offer blended and some distance graduate programs; program pages should be checked for fully online delivery per cohort.

Why include them: Large national universities often add online master’s or professional doctorates after proving delivery capacity; these programs are typically accredited and closely monitored by national authorities.

6) International/Branch campuses that deliver online programs accessible in the Middle East

Many branch campuses or universities with Middle Eastern presences also offer distance/online delivery routes suitable for regional students. These programs are often provided through the parent institution’s online faculty or via local branches offering hybrid options — see the universities’ distance/online pages for exact offerings.

Why include them: Branch campuses and international providers increase options for students seeking internationally-recognized online degrees while staying in the region.