UAE Universities Climb Global Education Rankings

According to the 2025 Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR), Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa University led the national charge by jumping 30 places to 846th out of 21,462 institutions – placing it in the top 4 percent globally and 10th in the Middle East. This rise reflects stronger research performance and improved faculty quality, especially in engineering and technological disciplines, underscoring Khalifa’s focus on creating a research-driven environment with advanced facilities and international collaborations.

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) climbed 91 spots to 1,022nd (top 4.8 percent), while the University of Sharjah moved up 161 places to 1,092nd (top 5.1 percent). New York University Abu Dhabi also joined the ranks at 1,116th (top 5.2 percent). These gains highlight the impact of government-led initiatives – such as allocating 1.5 percent of GDP to research and development and implementing performance-based assessments – that aim to boost employability outcomes and international visibility.

With four UAE institutions now featuring among the top 5 percent worldwide, students can expect enhanced academic offerings, increased funding opportunities, and a more vibrant campus experience across the Emirates.

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