DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — Universities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia have firmly established themselves as the top higher education institutions in the Arab world, according to the QS World University Rankings: Arab Region 2025. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the region’s academic landscape, as these universities continue to rise in global rankings and attract international attention for their innovative research, global partnerships, and increasingly competitive admission standards.
King Fahd University, a powerhouse of AI
At the forefront of the Arab region’s academic success is King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Saudi Arabia, which has claimed the top spot in the QS Arab rankings for the second year in a row. With an extraordinarily low acceptance rate of only 4%, KFUPM is one of the most selective universities in the world. Its appeal is driven by its strategic focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technology education, making it a leader in innovation and research. All students at KFUPM, regardless of their major, are required to study AI at some level, reflecting the university’s forward-thinking approach to education in the digital age.
In a bold move that has garnered international praise, KFUPM opened its doors to female students in 2021, marking a historic moment for the university and Saudi Arabia’s higher education system. Today, women make up 40% of the university’s undergraduate student body, with many pursuing degrees in traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering and technology. This shift towards inclusivity has not only elevated the university’s reputation but has also aligned it with the kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and promote gender equality in all sectors.
KFUPM’s focus on AI-driven initiatives and its commitment to gender inclusion has played a crucial role in its continued rise in global rankings. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, the university was ranked 176th globally, making it the highest-ranked institution in the Arab region.
UAE universities become a beacon of academic excellence
The UAE has also emerged as a regional leader in higher education, with its universities showing remarkable progress in the QS World University Rankings: Arab Region 2025. Khalifa University of Science and Technology and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) both secured top-five spots, coming in fourth and fifth, respectively.
Khalifa University, known for its strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), climbed from seventh place in the previous year’s rankings, a testament to its growing influence in the region and beyond. The university’s ability to attract international talent, both faculty and students, has significantly contributed to its success. Khalifa University’s research output, particularly in areas like aerospace engineering and biomedical sciences, has positioned it as a global leader in innovation. The university’s partnerships with international research institutions and major industries further enhance its academic standing, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for scientific advancement.
UAEU, the country’s first and largest university, also made a significant leap in the rankings, moving from sixth to fifth place. UAEU’s rise reflects its focus on fostering a research-intensive environment and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. The university has consistently been recognised for its strong faculty-to-student ratio, its commitment to research, and its strategic partnerships with industry leaders and government institutions. These factors have contributed to the UAE’s growing reputation as a centre for academic excellence in the Arab world.
According to Ben Sowter, senior vice president at QS, the UAE’s performance in the 2025 rankings is exceptional, with its universities achieving the region’s highest average scores in six out of the 10 indicators used by QS to assess academic quality. The UAE’s international faculty, strong research output, and ability to attract global talent have all contributed to its rise in the rankings. While the country’s research agenda is among the most impactful in the region, Sowter notes that the UAE’s academic reputation has the potential to grow even further as its universities continue to expand their global reach.
Qatar University: A rising star in Arab higher education
Qatar University also made impressive strides in the 2025 QS rankings, securing second place in the Arab region after climbing from third place the previous year. This rise reflects Qatar University’s commitment to academic excellence and its focus on research-driven education. The university has established itself as a leader in fields such as environmental science, engineering, and social sciences, with a growing emphasis on international collaboration and sustainability research.
Qatar University’s rise in the rankings can be attributed to its expanding research agenda, which aligns with the country’s national vision for sustainable development. The university has been increasingly involved in global partnerships, hosting international conferences and fostering collaborations with institutions around the world. Its growing reputation is also bolstered by the strength of its faculty, many of whom hold advanced degrees from prestigious universities abroad.
Traditional universities face challenges in the rankings
While newer universities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia have made significant gains in the rankings, some of the region’s historically renowned institutions have seen their positions decline. The American University of Beirut (AUB), founded in 1866, dropped to sixth place in the QS Arab rankings, down from fourth last year. Similarly, the American University in Cairo (AUC) fell to 13th place, having been ranked 11th in 2024.
Despite their drop in rankings, these universities remain highly respected within the region, with strong reputations among students, parents, and local communities. According to Senthil Nathan, managing director and co-founder of Edu Alliance, a higher education consultancy, universities like AUB and AUC have built their reputations over more than a century, producing alumni who hold influential positions across the Arab world, including ministers and prime ministers.
However, the growing competition from institutions like KFUPM, Khalifa University, and Qatar University suggests that the higher education landscape in the Arab world is evolving. The newer universities are making bold moves in terms of curriculum innovation, research, and inclusivity, and are reaping the rewards in global rankings.
Saudi Arabia, UAE leading Arab universities in global rankings
The 2025 QS World University Rankings: Arab Region span 20 countries and assess 246 universities across various indicators, including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, research impact, and international collaboration. In addition to their success in the regional rankings, seven Arab institutions made it into the top 250 of the QS World University Rankings 2025, with three from Saudi Arabia and two from Qatar among the top performers.
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals led the way, ranked 101st globally—an impressive jump from its previous position of 180th. This remarkable rise reflects the university’s focus on cutting-edge research and its ambitious AI-driven initiatives. Khalifa University and UAE University have also demonstrated their ability to compete on the global stage, further cementing the region’s growing academic influence.
