Recognizing the power of education as an integral part of this process, the Pearl Initiative is a center of excellence at the American University of Sharjah. The close collaboration between the Pearl Initiative and the School of Business and Management is important in engendering a culture of transparency and accountability in the leaders of tomorrow.

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) is an independent, co-educational, not-for-profit institution of higher education founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Sharjah. Based on the American liberal arts model of higher education, AUS is the leading comprehensive coeducational university in the Gulf. Unique in its international perspective, AUS's student body encompasses over 80 nationalities while its faculty includes 50% U.S. citizens but also encompasses over 40 other nationalities.

AUS offers 26 majors and 42 minors at the undergraduate level, and 13 master's degrees programs through the following academic divisions: College of Arts and Sciences; College of Engineering; College of Architecture, Art and Design; and School of Business and Management. The university is accredited by the U.S.-based Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and licensed by the Department of Education of the State of Delaware. The university is also licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. While Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates, all AUS classes and administrative functions are conducted in English.