AOU was launched in 2002 as a pan-Arab, non-profit higher education initiative through the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), an organization that partners with United Nations development agencies. It was conceived to serve multiple Arab countries and expand access to learning across the region. In Lebanon, AOU operates as a recognized institution of higher education licensed by Presidential Decree No. 3257 dated June 22, 2000. All degrees awarded by AOU are officially recognized by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE).
The Arab Open University (AOU) is accredited by The Open University in the United Kingdom, ensuring that its programmes meet rigorous international standards of quality and academic excellence.
This partnership allows AOU to offer degrees that are recognized and respected globally, providing students with access to a broad range of resources and learning opportunities.
The accreditation process involves regular assessments and audits to maintain the high standards set by The Open University, thereby guaranteeing that AOU's curriculum, faculty, and academic services uphold the best practices in higher education. 
