UAE University

UAE University Ranked First Nationally and 55th in Asia in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2026

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has achieved a new milestone by topping the list of universities in the UAE, ranking third among GCC universities, and 55th among Asian universities, according to the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2026. This ranking reflects its leading position as a national institution contributing to shaping the future of higher education, scientific research, and innovation.

Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the President of the UAE and Chancellor of UAEU, affirmed that this achievement embodies the university's established path since its founding as the first comprehensive national university in the country, and its ongoing mission of human development and knowledge creation.

He stated that UAEU's leading position among universities in the UAE and its advancement among the top Asian universities reflect its deep commitment to its academic and national mission, and its dedication to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and scientific research, in line with the wise leadership's vision of investing in people and knowledge.

He added: “As we celebrate the university’s golden jubilee this year, we recall a rich legacy of achievements and look forward to a more impactful and pioneering future, in which the United Arab Emirates University continues its role as a beacon of science and thought, and an active partner in the national development journey and the UAE’s civilizational contribution on a global scale.”

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Raisi, Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, said that this achievement embodies the integrated institutional work that the university adopts in developing its academic and research system, and enhancing the quality of education and scientific research according to the highest international standards. This solidifies its position as a leading research university at both the regional and international levels, and contributes to preparing national talents capable of leading the future and supporting the knowledge economy and sustainable development in the country.

This ranking affirms the United Arab Emirates University’s ongoing commitment to providing academic and research education of global standards, enhancing the innovation ecosystem, and supporting an integrated educational environment that contributes to preparing national talents capable of competing regionally and internationally, in addition to its active role in serving the community and achieving the goals of sustainable development and the UAE’s future vision.

The Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings are based on 18 rigorous performance indicators designed to provide comprehensive and balanced comparisons between universities. These indicators are trusted by students, academics, university leaders, industry, and governments worldwide.

They are categorized into five key areas: teaching (learning environment), research environment (number of research papers, productivity, and academic reputation), research quality (citation impact, research strength, research excellence, and scientific influence), international openness (faculty, students, and international research collaborations), and industry (patents).

This progress reflects the integrated institutional performance of the United Arab Emirates University and its ability to balance quality education, research, societal impact, and international openness, thus strengthening its position among leading universities regionally and internationally.

This achievement builds upon the UAE University's long history of academic and research successes, underscoring its pivotal role in supporting the knowledge economy, empowering future generations to actively contribute to building a sustainable and prosperous future, and solidifying the UAE's position as a global hub for science and innovation.