UAE Universities Achieve Higher Global Rankings Driven by Research Performance
Four UAE universities rise in global rankings amid stronger research performance
Image: Khaleej Times
Four universities in the UAE have improved their positions in the 2026 Global 2000 rankings by the Center for World University Rankings, primarily due to enhanced research performance. Khalifa University leads the UAE institutions, now ranked 795th globally, followed by UAE University, University of Sharjah, and NYU Abu Dhabi.
- 01Khalifa University improved by 51 places to rank 795th globally, placing it in the top 3.8% of universities worldwide.
- 02UAE University rose 64 spots to 958th, while the University of Sharjah advanced 98 positions to 994th.
- 03The rankings are based on 81 million data points across 21,291 universities, emphasizing education, employability, faculty strength, and research performance.
- 04Dr. Nadim Mahassen, CWUR president, highlighted the UAE's long-term investment in education and innovation as key to these advancements.
- 05In the Arab rankings, Khalifa University ranks 10th, followed by UAE University at 12th, University of Sharjah at 13th, and NYU Abu Dhabi at 18th.
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The UAE’s higher education sector has made significant strides in the 2026 Global 2000 rankings by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), with four universities showing improved standings due to enhanced research performance. Khalifa University leads the UAE institutions, climbing 51 places to rank 795th globally, while UAE University rose 64 spots to 958th, and the University of Sharjah advanced 98 positions to 994th. NYU Abu Dhabi also improved, now ranked 1063rd. The rankings are based on an analysis of 81 million data points across 21,291 universities, focusing on education, employability, faculty strength, and research, which holds the highest weight of 40%. CWUR president Dr. Nadim Mahassen noted that these results reflect sustained national investment in higher education and innovation, emphasizing the importance of universities in fostering scientific development and attracting talent. In the Arab context, the UAE maintains a competitive edge, with Khalifa University ranked 10th regionally, underscoring its growing reputation amid strong competition from other Arab nations.
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The improved rankings of UAE universities enhance the country's global reputation in higher education, potentially attracting more international students and researchers.
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