UAEU Climbs 32 Places to Rank 229th Globally in QS World University Rankings 2026

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has made a significant leap in the QS World University Rankings 2026, advancing thirty-two positions to secure the 229th spot globally. UAEU now firmly ranks among the top global and regional academic institutions.

The 2025 rankings evaluated 1,501 institution across 106 countries and regions, including twelve universities from the UAE.

Commenting on the achievement, H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Chancellor of UAEU, stated:

"This remarkable advancement in the QS Rankings underscores UAEU’s status as a national beacon of academic excellence, research, and innovation. It reflects the enduring support of our wise leadership, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him.

“Through our commitment to driving forward the UAE national vision, UAEU contributes to building a prosperous, knowledge-based society. Our proven leadership in areas such as the sustainable development and international scientific collaboration reaffirms the university’s mission to tackle global challenges and to equip future generations with the skills and mindsets necessary for intellectual and scientific advance, and innovative entrepreneurial progress.

“We will continue to strengthen UAEU’s global academic presence through our contributions to human knowledge, cultural dialogue, and international partnership."

The 2026 QS Rankings confirmed UAEU’s exceptional performance across key indicators. Within the UAE, UAEU gained first place for sustainability and international research collaboration and second for both employer reputation and the student-centred approach indicated by a high faculty-to-student ratio.

The QS World University Rankings are among the most influential global university rankings. They use nine core indicator in their evaluations: academic reputation, employer reputation, employment outcomes, faculty-to-student ratio, research output, international faculty, international students, international research network, and sustainability.

UAEU was founded in 1976 to realise the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision of a Federal institution that would build the nation’s human, intellectual and technical resources. Today, UAEU plays a significant role in advancing higher education and research in the UAE and the region. With nine colleges, twelve research centers, and more than 120 academic degree programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, UAEU offers research leadership in critical fields such as clean energy, water security, artificial intelligence, and health sciences.

This latest achievement reaffirms UAEU’s position as a globally respected, research-intensive institution committed to graduating national leaders, advancing international partnerships, and delivering meaningful scientific and societal impact.