The Al Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies, established by Sheikh Hamdan in Dundee, Scotland in 2002, is a research-led institution of higher education, which offers post graduate programs of study (Master, M Phil and PhD). It is an independent institution with its degree programs validated by the University of Aberdeen. As a unique academic post-orientalist institute that is working to serve the communities and to promote greater understanding of different religions and cultures, multiculturalism is at the heart of the Al Maktoum Institute's vision and structure. The institute, which is working as a centre within the University of Aberdeen, aims to promote intelligent debate and understanding on Islam and the role of Muslims in the contemporary world. It endeavours to build bridges between communities and peoples at all levels across the world.

The Al Maktoum Institute offers both taught and research post graduate programs. The taught Masters include MLitt in Islamic Studies, MLitt in Islamic Jerusalem Studies, and PgCert and PgDip in the same subjects. For the research programs there are PhD in Arabic and Islamic Studies and MPhil in Arabic and Islamic Studies.