Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
The UAE is becoming a global powerhouse in higher education, with its universities climbing international rankings, dominating regional charts, and setting new benchmarks for innovation, research and global outlook.
Several UAE universities have made significant breakthroughs, based on data from the Times Higher Education (THE), which recently released its World University Rankings by Subject for 2026.
Abu Dhabi University (ADU), which ranked seventh overall in the Arab region and placed in the 201-250 bracket globally, scored notable results in four subjects. It ranked among the world’s top 100 for business and economics, placing 81st globally and first in the UAE and the region.
In computer science, ADU claimed first place in the UAE, sixth in the region, and within the 201-250 band worldwide. Meanwhile, in engineering, the university placed fourth in the UAE, 15th in the region, and within 301-400 globally. It ranked second in the UAE and the region for social sciences, and within 251-300 globally.
Speaking to Aletihad, Prof. Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said these rankings reflect the quality of the institution’s academic programmes and the growing global impact of its research work.
“This recognition highlights the strong momentum we continue to build as we advance academic quality, research performance and international standing,” Prof. Aouad told Aletihad.
He emphasised that the achievement is a testament to the tireless efforts and dedication of the faculty, staff, students, alumni and academic and industry partners of ADU.
In parallel, the University of Sharjah also stood out in the rankings, taking first place in the UAE in four key subjects: law (176–200 globally), social sciences (201–250 globally), physical sciences (201–250 globally), and arts and humanities (301–400 globally).
Additionally, the university claimed second place in the UAE in medicine and health sciences (201–250 globally) and computer science (251–300 globally). It ranked third nationally in education studies, business and economics, and engineering.
Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, affirmed that the university’s strong performance in the rankings marks a pivotal milestone in its academic journey, reflecting a steadfast commitment to excellence, quality, and impactful scientific and societal contributions.
“The university’s top position among UAE institutions underscores the maturity of its academic and research ecosystem, as well as its ability to compete internationally in disciplines that are essential to societal development and the creation of impactful knowledge aligned with national and global priorities,” Agamy told Aletihad.
Prof. Agamy emphasised that this achievement is the result of a strategic vision championed by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University, who believes in the university’s role as a pioneering research institution committed to knowledge production and societal advancement.
“This advancement will further position the University of Sharjah as a regional academic reference point, enhancing its capacity to attract distinguished academic and research talent, expand international partnerships, and modernise its programmes in line with best global practices, while aligning educational outcomes with future workforce needs,” he added.
Looking ahead, he said the university will intensify its focus on interdisciplinary scientific research tied to sustainable development, bolstering its presence in global rankings and maximising its academic and intellectual impact.
Other UAE universities recorded strong performances across the 11 disciplines evaluated in the latest Times Higher Education subject rankings. UAE University secured a place in the 151–175 global band for medical and health sciences, competing among 1,230 institutions worldwide. It also ranked within the same bracket for business and economics, and education studies.
Khalifa University also emerged as a top performer in engineering, earning a spot in the 126–150 global band.
The Times Higher Education subject rankings assess universities across 11 major academic disciplines, including arts and humanities, business and economics, education, engineering, law, medical and health sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences.
Institutions are evaluated using a range of performance indicators covering teaching quality, research environment, research impact, international outlook and industry engagement, providing a comprehensive measure of academic excellence and global competitiveness.
