UAE universities strengthen presence in QS Arab rankings 2027

The United Arab Emirates has strengthened its presence in the Arab region’s higher education landscape, with 19 universities featuring in the QS Arab Region University Rankings 2027. Three institutions made their rankings debut, while three UAE universities secured places among the region’s top 10.

The latest edition assessed 322 universities across 20 higher education systems, highlighting the UAE’s growing representation in regional academia and its efforts to strengthen research, academic quality and international competitiveness.

Khalifa University of Science and Technology recorded its highest-ever position in the regional rankings, climbing from third to second place. Improvements in academic reputation, employer reputation and citations per paper contributed to its rise.

United Arab Emirates University retained fifth place, maintaining its position among the region’s leading institutions and reflecting its established academic standing and reputation among employers.

Abu Dhabi University made one of the most notable gains, advancing from 11th to ninth place to enter the Arab region’s top 10 for the first time. Its progress was supported by improvements in academic and employer reputation, faculty-student ratio and international research networks.

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah also improved its standing, moving up from 53rd to 48th place and securing a position among the region’s top 50 universities.

The UAE’s representation expanded further with the entry of three institutions into the rankings for the first time: Amity University Dubai, Liwa University and City University Ajman.

Commenting on the results, His Excellency Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said the performance reflected progress across the country’s higher education sector and the collective efforts of its academic institutions.

He said the UAE remained committed to improving educational outcomes, advancing scientific research and innovation, and equipping graduates with the skills needed to contribute to the country’s future economy.

Linking academic achievement with employment

Beyond institutional rankings, the results highlight the importance of connecting academic learning and research with the evolving needs of the labour market.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s Outcome-Based Evaluation Framework seeks to improve institutional performance through measurable outcomes, with a focus on graduate employability, research impact and collaboration with economic sectors.

The ministry continues to work with universities and strategic partners to strengthen academic programmes, expand research and innovation opportunities, and build partnerships that support the UAE’s national development priorities.

The latest rankings reflect the expanding academic and research presence of UAE universities across the region. They also underline the country’s ambition to build a competitive, knowledge-based economy while attracting students, researchers and academic talent from around the world.