Khalifa University Makes it to Top 150 University Rankings
Khalifa University Breaks Into QS Top 150, Marking a First for UAE Higher Education
In a landmark achievement for higher education in the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa University of Science and Technology has secured its place among the world's elite institutions, breaking into the top 150 of the QS World University Rankings 2027. The university climbed 30 positions to reach 147th globally, marking the first time a UAE institution has achieved this ranking.
This ascent not only cements Khalifa University's status as the nation's leading institute for the ninth consecutive year but also highlights the country's rapid advancement in research and academic innovation. The QS rankings evaluated 8,808 universities across 106 countries, with only 1,504 institutions making the final list this year.
Driven by Research Excellence and Global Talent
The university's dramatic rise was fueled by exceptional performance in two critical indicators:
- Research Impact: Khalifa University ranked 87th globally for citations per faculty, demonstrating that its scientific discoveries are resonating deeply within the international community.
- International Faculty: The institution placed 12th worldwide for the diversity of its academic staff, reflecting its success in attracting and retaining top-tier talent from across the globe.
"Entering the world's top 150 overall, and ranking 87th worldwide for research citations, reflects a deliberate choice to ensure the discoveries made in our laboratories reach scientists, industries, and institutions around the world," said Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University.
Professor Al Hajri emphasized the strategic intent behind these achievements: "From Abu Dhabi to the global scientific community, Khalifa University is, by design, a catalyst for economic development. Today's ranking affirms our position as one of the region's leading engines of research and innovation, making a sustained contribution to the UAE's long-term strategic ambitions."
A Surge for UAE Higher Education
The success of Khalifa University is part of a broader trend of growth across the UAE's higher education sector. Abu Dhabi University also saw significant progress, climbing 43 places to rank 348th globally. This improvement solidified its standing as the fifth-best university in the UAE for the second consecutive year.
"Our strong performance across key indicators, particularly in academic reputation, research impact, and graduate employability, reflects the effectiveness of our approach to delivering future-focused education and fostering innovation," noted Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University. He added that the university remains committed to "empowering future leaders and contributing to the UAE's vision of a competitive, knowledge-based economy."
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Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi University also made headlines by securing a spot in the top 100 for business and economic studies in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, placing 81st out of over 1,000 institutions globally.
A Benchmark for the Future
The QS World University Rankings remain one of the most widely recognized benchmarks in global higher education, assessing institutions on a comprehensive range of factors including research output, employability, learning experience, and sustainability.
As Khalifa University crosses the threshold into the top 150, it signals a new chapter for Emirati academia, proving that the region is not only competing on the global stage but leading in specific areas of scientific inquiry and international collaboration. With these rankings, the UAE continues to build a robust foundation for a knowledge-driven economy, aligned with its long-term national visions.