Page 48 - AJMAN UNIVERSITY PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

Minister of Higher Education praises UAE-based universities for climbing QS World University
Rankings 2026

WAM
24th June 2025, 21:15 GMT+11

ABU DHABI, 24th June 2025 (WAM) -- Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and
Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, congratulated UAE-
based higher education institutions (HEIs) on their progress in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)
World University Rankings 2026.
He commended their rising positions in the prestigious index as a testament to the success of the
UAE's ongoing efforts to boost the global academic competitiveness of its higher education sector.

Dr. Al Awar said, "This year's results clearly demonstrate the steady progress of UAE-based HEIs
toward academic and research excellence and greater global presence."

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
(MoHESR) to empowering HEIs by providing tools to evaluate performance and improve outcomes.
He also highlighted the Ministry's strategic partnerships with QS and Times Higher Education, the
top two global university rankings providers, aimed at strengthening the sector's overall
competitiveness.

He added, "At MoHESR, we believe global competitiveness starts with a future-focused, adaptable
educational environment that aligns university programmes with national priorities and equips
graduates with the skills needed for excellence and innovation."

Seven UAE-based universities advanced in the QS World University Rankings 2026, which assessed
over 8,000 HEIs worldwide, including 1,500 newcomers. Khalifa University rose by 25 places,
leading among the UAE contenders, and ranked 177th globally, placing it among the world's top
200. It was followed by the United Arab Emirates University, which climbed 32 positions to rank
229th, and American University of Sharjah, which moved up 60 places to rank 272nd. The University
of Sharjah advanced by 106 places to rank 328th, while Abu Dhabi University rose by 110 positions
to reach 391st. Ajman University improved by 37 places to rank 440th, and Zayed University ranked
595th after previously being placed between 621st and 630th position.

The rankings testify to the improvement of UAE-based HEIs across key higher education indicators,
including international faculty ratio, international student diversity, employment outcomes, and
faculty-student ratio.

Dr. Al Awar emphasised that the positive results reflect the alignment of academic outcomes with
labour market needs. He also noted that these achievements mark another step toward building a
competitive, sustainable higher education sector that supports the UAE's vision of a world-leading
knowledge-based economy.

https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/278401856/minister-of-higher-education-praises-uae-
based-universities-for-climbing-qs-world-university-rankings-2026