The QS World University Rankings 2027 revealed a strong presence for UAE universities on the international higher education map, with 12 universities from the country securing places among the top 1,000 universities worldwide.
This achievement reflects the UAE’s growing position as a regional and global hub for higher education, as well as an attractive destination for students, faculty members and researchers. It also highlights the continuous progress being made across the sector in academic quality, scientific research and international engagement.
This year’s ranking assessed 8,808 educational institutions from 106 countries and regions around the world, with 1,504 universities included in the final list. Four UAE universities succeeded in entering the world’s top 300, while six universities were ranked among the top 400.
Khalifa University led the UAE universities, ranking 147th globally, followed by United Arab Emirates University in 217th place, the American University of Sharjah in 258th, and the University of Sharjah in 283rd.
Abu Dhabi University ranked 348th, Ajman University came in 397th, Al Ain University ranked 559th, and Zayed University placed 588th. The American University of Ras Al Khaimah ranked 608th, the Canadian University Dubai came in 616th, and the American University in Dubai ranked 620th, while the University of Dubai was placed in the 781-790 band.
The new ranking also showed clear progress for several UAE universities compared with the 2026 edition, as nine institutions improved their global positions. Khalifa University advanced by 30 places, United Arab Emirates University by 12 places, and the American University of Sharjah by 14 places, while the University of Sharjah climbed 45 places.
Abu Dhabi University moved up 43 places, Ajman University advanced 42 places, Zayed University rose 37 places, and the American University in Dubai improved by 58 places. The University of Dubai also recorded a notable rise of 70 places in the global ranking.
The QS ranking, one of the most prominent international academic rankings, is based on a set of key indicators. These include research and discovery, which account for 50% of the assessment, employability and graduate outcomes at 20%, global engagement and international participation at 15%, learning experience at 10%, and sustainability at 5%.
The improved performance of UAE universities confirms the strength of the country’s higher education model and the role of academic institutions in preparing qualified graduates who can meet labour market needs, support sustainable development and contribute to a knowledge-based economy.
Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said the university’s entry into the world’s top 150, along with its 87th global position in the research citations indicator, reflects the success of its strategic vision to expand the impact of knowledge and scientific research, while ensuring that its research outcomes and discoveries reach institutions, researchers and different sectors around the world.
He added that the university continues to play a central role in supporting scientific progress and economic development, as one of the region’s leading academic institutions in research and innovation, in line with the UAE’s long-term strategic ambitions.
For his part, Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said the global higher education sector is undergoing rapid changes that require universities to deliver a clear impact on students, society and business sectors. He added that Abu Dhabi University’s performance in academic reputation, research quality and graduate competitiveness reflects the success of its strategy to provide innovative education that keeps pace with future requirements.
He stressed that the university will continue aligning its priorities with the UAE National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, by focusing on student success, excellence in teaching and impactful research, in support of the country’s efforts to build a competitive knowledge-based economy.
Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah, said the university’s continued progress and its highest-ever position in the QS World University Rankings reflect its firm commitment to academic excellence. He noted that this performance also demonstrates the strength of its educational model and its long-term investment in students, faculty members and the research ecosystem.
He explained that this year’s results highlight the university’s performance in important areas, including graduate employability, research impact, sustainability and internationalisation. These outcomes support the university’s mission to prepare graduates who can compete globally and produce research that addresses real-world challenges and contributes to sustainable development.
