UAE named the Arab region’s fastest-advancing higher education system

UAE named the Arab region’s fastest-advancing higher education system

24 Oct 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been recognised as the most improved higher education system in the Arab region, according to the QS World University Rankings: Arab Region 2026. This milestone reflects the country’s ongoing investment in education, research, and innovation, aligning with its national vision to build a world-class knowledge-based economy.

A major leap in regional rankings

In the latest QS rankings, 15 UAE universities have been featured, with nine institutions improving their positions, one maintaining its rank, and four experiencing minor drops. Notably, the University of Fujairah made its debut in the rankings within the 151–160 band.

The UAE, alongside Saudi Arabia, continues to dominate the regional academic landscape. Both countries boast three universities in the top 10 and six in the top 20, demonstrating their shared leadership in Arab higher education.

Top UAE performers in the QS Arab Region 2026 rankings

Some of the country’s leading universities have made remarkable progress this year:

• Khalifa University – Rose one place to 3rd, achieving its highest-ever ranking with strong academic and employer reputation scores.
• United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – Maintained its 5th place, reinforcing its reputation for research and innovation.
• American University of Sharjah (AUS) – Climbed to 9th, recognised for its excellence in architecture and business studies.
• Abu Dhabi University – Ranked 11th, showcasing consistent academic quality.
• Ajman University – Secured the 12th position.
• University of Sharjah – Entered the top 20 for the first time, landing at 14th.

These achievements underline the UAE’s growing presence in the regional education sector and its drive to reach global academic standards.

UAE leads in internationalisation

According to Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, QS Executive Director for AMESA, the UAE stands out for its strong internationalisation efforts. Institutions such as Al Ain University and The British University in Dubai rank among the most international universities in the Arab region.

QS data also projects that international student enrolment in the UAE will approach 120,000 by the end of the decade, reflecting the country’s appeal as a global education hub. Currently, nine of the region’s top 10 universities for international faculty and seven of the top 10 for international students are based in the UAE.

Rapid system-wide improvement

The UAE achieved the greatest overall system-wide improvement among Arab nations, registering a 33 per cent improvement rate. The strongest gains were seen in employer reputation, web impact, and the international student ratio — factors that highlight the UAE’s holistic approach to educational growth.

This rapid progress has positioned the UAE as a model for academic excellence and innovation, showcasing how targeted reforms and investments can elevate an entire national education system within a short span.

Driving innovation and global collaboration

The UAE’s universities are increasingly focusing on disciplines such as STEM, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. These align with national priorities and global trends, ensuring that graduates are equipped for the future workforce.

Moreover, the presence of global branch campuses — including New York University Abu Dhabi, University of Birmingham Dubai, and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi — further strengthens the UAE’s international academic network, providing students access to world-class education within the region.

A vision for the future of higher education

The UAE’s continued rise in regional rankings reaffirms its commitment to becoming a global leader in higher learning. Through research-driven policies, international partnerships, and inclusive education, the nation is setting new benchmarks for academic excellence in the Arab world.

As Dr. Fernandes aptly stated, the UAE’s achievements are “setting new standards for excellence in higher education” — a testament to the country’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators, researchers, and global citizens.

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