The UAE is a leader in higher education in the Middle East!

The Times Higher Education (THE), based in the United Kingdom, has released the World University Rankings 2026, which includes 2,191 institutions from 115 countries and territories. The rankings show that the University of Oxford remains the world's highest-ranked university.

In Asia, Tsinghua University in China is ranked 12th, with Peking University close behind at 13th. The National University of Singapore (NUS) holds 17th place, making it the top university in the region. The University of Tokyo is ranked 26th globally.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is recognized as one of the richest and most technologically advanced countries in the Middle East. It is also making notable progress in higher education. For comparison, Saudi Arabia's King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals ranks 184th, which is the highest in the Middle East.

According to the Times Higher Education 2026 rankings, the UAE now has 15 universities listed globally. Abu Dhabi University, Khalifa University, and United Arab Emirates University all fall within the 201–250 range, while the University of Sharjah is in the 301–350 bracket.

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Zayed University, Ajman University, and Al Ain University have rankings between 401–500, and the American University of Sharjah is ranked between 501–600 globally.

Other UAE universities mentioned in the 2026 rankings include the American University in Dubai, American University in the Emirates (AUE), American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Gulf Medical University, British University in Dubai, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, and the University of Dubai.

In recent years, the UAE government has invested heavily in education and research. The federal budget for public and higher education programs in 2025 is set at AED 10.914 billion, which accounts for 15.3% of total federal spending that year.

In conclusion, the UAE's growing presence in global university rankings reflects its commitment to developing a knowledge-based national strategy. Through smart investments, international partnerships, and a focus on innovative learning, the UAE is building a higher education system that can compete with the best. This ongoing progress shows the UAE's aim to become a center of excellence in research and technology-based higher education.

Source/Reference: Times Higher Education (THE) 2026, Open Sources

Sherazur Rahman

Teacher and Writer

Singra, Natore,

Bangladesh

Author's Note:

This article is written by Sherazur Rahman. AI tools were only used for language polishing and fact-checking.