The Lens
Arab Higher Education
Rankings, Research and the Road Ahead
The Arab region is making great strides in university performance. What are some of the standout areas?
By Habib Fardoun
“Arab higher education is not just climbing rankings; it is remaking itself.”
"Policymakers and university leaders must continue to address funding sustainability."
The Arab world is turning ambition into impact. In 2025 ,the QS Arab Region University Rankings underscored how years of policy reform and investment are paying off. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) topped the table with a perfect score of 100, followed closely by Qatar University at 98.6 and King Saud University at 96.1.
Universities from the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Oman and Jordan also feature prominently, with Khalifa University and the United Arab Emirates University rounding out the top five and the American University of Beirut, King Abdulaziz University, Sultan Qaboos University, University of Jordan and the American University of Sharjah completing the top ten. These results show that Arab universities are no longer fringe players but contenders on the world stage.
Momentum and Milestones
Arab governments have made higher education central to their national visions. Riyadh’s Vision 2030, Abu Dhabi’s National Innovation Strategy and Doha’s National Development Strategy have all prioritised research excellence, graduate employability and partnerships with industry. The result is a surge in globally competitive universities, a rise in research output and a shift towards interdisciplinary programs.
There are more institutions in the rankings than ever, a sign of both improved quality and wider participation.
Yet rankings tell only part of the story. Universities in the region are exploring new models of teaching and learning, forging cross‑border collaborations and investing in cutting‑edge infrastructure. These efforts are creating a dynamic ecosystem that links research, innovation and human capital development.
Emerging Frontiers in Arab Higher Education
Arab higher education is not just climbing rankings; it is remaking itself. The following snapshots capture the breadth of this transformation.Ranking momentum: The QS Arab Region tables now include more universities than ever, signalling both improved quality and wider participation. Institutions across the region are moving from the periphery to the centre of global higher education.
Quality leaps: Flagship universities such as King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Qatar University and King Saud University have vaulted to the top of the 2025 rankings. Their rise underscores how strategic investment and reform translate into world‑class outcomes and national pride.
Collaboration & impact: Despite progress, many Arab universities still record low citation‑per‑faculty scores and modest international research networks. Arab Universities should have clear that deeper cross‑border collaboration is essential to translate research into global impact.
Flexible learning & sustainability: Programmes such as the American University of Ras Al Khaimah’s Level 9 micro‑credential in energy efficiency equip professionals with skills for the green economy. Micro‑credentials show how universities are experimenting with short, targeted formats to meet labour‑market needs and sustainability goals.
Building innovation cultures: True impact requires a deliberate research culture. Universities must acknowledge research as central to their mission, reward quality over quantity and adapt quickly to emerging fields. Embracing agility ensures that what is trending today (like AI) becomes a baseline for tomorrow.
From Rankings to Real‑World Impact
The Arab region’s universities are benefiting from strategic initiatives that align education with economic diversification. Examples include:
Joint campuses and partnerships. Institutions such as NYU Abu Dhabi, HBKU in Qatar and MBZUAI in the UAE operate as hubs for global collaboration, connecting local talent with international research networks. Their success demonstrates that transnational models can thrive when anchored in local priorities.
Innovation ecosystems. Science parks and incubators in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt are nurturing start‑ups in energy, health and digital technologies. These ecosystems connect academia with industry, ensuring that research is translated into products, policies and services.
Skills for sustainability. With COP28 hosted in the UAE and countries adopting green transition plans, universities are embedding sustainability across curricula. AURAK’s micro‑credential is just one example; other institutions are offering programs in climate finance, renewable energy and water management.
Challenges and Opportunities
While progress is impressive, challenges remain. Policymakers and university leaders must continue to address funding sustainability, research quality and freedom, and the alignment of graduates’ skills with labour‑market needs.
Building robust data‑infrastructure to track outcomes, strengthening academic freedom to attract talent and enhancing regional mobility are critical. The QS analysis warns that limited research networks and low citation impact threaten the region’s visibility.
Developing a strong research culture, rewarding quality over quantity, encouraging interdisciplinary projects and incentivising impact, will be vital.