In a significant stride for the UAE’s education sector, several national universities have advanced notably in the QS World University Rankings 2026. This upward movement highlights the growing competitiveness of the country’s academic institutions on the global stage and reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to becoming a hub of educational excellence.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, praised this achievement, emphasizing that it reflects the persistent efforts to elevate the UAE’s academic stature. He noted, “This year’s rankings provide clear evidence that our higher education institutions are making steady progress toward academic and research excellence, strengthening their international presence.”
The Ministry remains steadfast in supporting universities, equipping them with performance evaluation tools and helping them enhance outcomes. Dr. Al Awar also referenced strategic collaborations with renowned global organizations such as QS and Times Higher Education, which play a vital role in driving the development of the sector.
“We believe that global competitiveness starts with building a forward-looking, adaptable learning environment,” Dr. Al Awar added. “Aligning academic programs with national priorities and equipping graduates with future-ready skills are key components of our vision.”
Seven UAE universities have seen a rise in their QS rankings, with more than 8,000 institutions assessed globally. Among them, 1,500 universities were added to this year’s evaluation:
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Khalifa University of Science and Technology moved up 25 spots to rank 177th globally, securing a place among the top 200 universities worldwide.
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United Arab Emirates University advanced 32 places to 229th.
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American University of Sharjah climbed 60 positions to 272nd.
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University of Sharjah made a substantial leap of 106 ranks, landing at 328th.
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Abu Dhabi University jumped 110 spots to secure the 391st position.
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Ajman University improved by 37 positions to reach 440th.
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Zayed University now ranks 595th, previously positioned between 621 and 630 globally.
The rankings revealed substantial progress across key higher education metrics, including the ratio of international faculty, student diversity, graduate employability, and student-to-faculty ratio.
Dr. Al Awar concluded by highlighting that these achievements mark a further step toward establishing a sustainable and competitive higher education system, integral to the UAE’s vision of becoming a knowledge-driven economy.
This upward trend is not only a testament to institutional commitment but also a reflection of the UAE’s broader ambition to foster innovation and global academic relevance.
