Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
The UAE’s higher education system has been singled out as the most improved in the Arab region, a reflection not only of the progress of individual institutions, but of the country’s entire academic ecosystem.
According to the QS World University Rankings: Arab Region 2026, the UAE now counts three universities among the top 10, and six in the top 20 — a tally double that of any other country in the region.
Khalifa University climbed into 3rd place in the region for the first time. The university has also broken into the top 200 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, placing 177th and marking a leap of 25 positions.
According to WAM, Khalifa University’s President, Prof Ebrahim Al Hajri, stated: “Each achievement in the rankings reflects the drive of our community to turn knowledge into national strength… Our faculty, researchers, and students are developing real-world solutions for the region’s most urgent needs — water, energy, food, and climate resilience.”
Other UAE institutions also performed strongly. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) retained its 5th place in the region, and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) entered the top 10 at 9th position. Additionally, The University of Fujairah made its debut in the rankings, in the 151–160 band.
The University of Sharjah also entered the top 20 for the first time, ranking 14th.
Mashood Mohsan, a research associate in Khalifa University, said that being part of one of the best universities in the region is a source of immense pride and motivation.
“It is rewarding to know that what we do here in Abu Dhabi is shaping the future of science and technology, not just locally, but globally. I am surrounded by brilliant colleagues and passionate students who are pushing the boundaries of innovation,” Mohsan told Aletihad.
Khalifa University’s clear vision to bridge academic excellence with real-world innovation is what attracted him to the institution.
“The university follows a full innovation pipeline, starting from fundamental research, moving to industrial prototyping, and finally market deployment. The university’s strong focus on applied research creates an ecosystem where ideas don’t just stay in the lab but become impactful solutions to local and global industries,” he explained.
Khalifa University’s higher global standing reflects the growing impact of its research and innovation ecosystem.
“This recognition not only opens new doors for international collaboration and funded research but also enhances graduate employability by connecting our students with global industries and emerging technologies,” he added.
Shady Elkassas, education consultant and recipient of the Khalifa Award for Education Excellence, said that one of the main drivers behind the ranking gains is the rise of university-industry collaboration, such as Khalifa University’s partnerships with ADNOC, Mubadala, Siemens, and global research entities such as the Technology Innovation Institute (TII).
“From my perspective as an educator, I have witnessed how this approach mirrors what we strive to instil in K-12 education, bridging theory with authentic, real-world application. This alignment between curriculum and career readiness is what makes UAE graduates stand out in regional and global job markets today,” Elkassas told Aletihad.
This global validation translates into enhanced employability and stronger local hiring confidence, allowing graduates to start their careers with competitive leverage in both UAE and international markets, he noted.
The UAE achieved the highest average score in four key indicators in the Arab Region University Rankings 2026: academic reputation; citations per paper; papers per faculty; and employer reputation.
