In the largest list so far, 223 Arab universities across 18 countries are compared in the 2024 edition of the QS Arab Region University Rankings, 24 universities more than last year.
The tenth edition of the classification, published today by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, a British higher-education analytics company, evaluated the institutions based on 10 indicators. The factors given the most weight in QS’s methodology are academic reputation, based on a global survey of academics, and employer reputation, based on another global survey that asks employers to name the institutions they think are producing the best graduates. Other indicators include measures of research prowess, teaching resources, and internationalisation.
Of the region’s 20 highest-ranked universities, six kept their position since last year, seven saw their ranking improve, seven saw a decline, and one entered the top 20 list for first time.
“The Arab region continues to grow its standing in academia. Its blossoming international partnerships and increasingly high-impact, influential research nourish an ever-growing international reputation.”
Ben Sowter, senior vice president of QS Quacquarelli Symonds
For the first time, Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) was crowned the region’s best university, climbing from third place last year. Saudi Arabia’s King Saud University comes second, while Qatar University places third, dropping from the second place. Filling out the top five places are the American University of Beirut, in fourth place, and last year’s leader, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), which drops to fifth place, after spending four consecutive years in the top spot.
The top 10 universities also included the United Arab Emirates University (6th), the Emirates’ Khalifa University of Science and Technology (7th), the American University of Sharjah (8th), the University of Jordan (9th), and Oman’s Sultan Qaboos University (10th).
In the next 10 places were the American University in Cairo (11th), Cairo University (12th), Qatar’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd university (both ranked 13th), the Lebanese University (14th), the University of Sharjah (15th), Jordan University of Science and Technology (16th), Egypt’s Ain Shams University (17th), Saudi Arabia’s Umm Al-Qura University (18th), the United Arab Emirates’ Zayed University (19th), and Bahrain’s Applied Science University (20th).
Overall, Egypt is the most represented country in the Arab Region rankings, with 36 listed universities. Saudi Arabia is next with 34. Iraq has 24, down from 28 in 2023.
Ben Sowter, senior vice president of QS Quacquarelli Symonds, said: “The Arab region continues to grow its standing in academia. Its blossoming international partnerships and increasingly high-impact, influential research nourish an ever-growing international reputation.”
Saudi Institutions Lead in Reputational Surveys
Despite King Abdulaziz University’s dropping to fifth place, Saudi Arabia tightens its grip on the upper echelon of the regional classification, with the two top-ranked universities belonging to the kingdom. This success is driven by outstanding scores on measures of research, collaboration and international reputation.
In two indicators related to research quality, “citations per paper” and “papers per faculty member”, four Saudi universities are in the top 10, more than any other country. Meanwhile, both of the the region’s leaders in the employer reputation and international research network scores are Saudi.
Saudi Arabia tightens its grip on the upper echelon of the regional classification, with the two top-ranked universities belonging to the kingdom. This success is driven by outstanding scores on measures of research, collaboration and international reputation.
The top-100 list included 29 additional Saudi institutions. Six of them placed in the top 50: Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (24th), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (27th), King Khalid University (29th), Jouf University (37th), King Faisal University (40th), and Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (49th).
Following them were Almaarefa University, Prince Sultan University, and Qassim University, all in a band ranked 51 to 60; and Alfaisal University and Northern Borders University, in the group ranked 61 to 70.
In the next group (71–80) were Effat University, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Taif University, and the University of Bisha, followed by the University of Business and Technology, ranked in the band (81-90). Jazan University, the Saudi Electronic University, Taibah University, and the University of Hail came next, all ranked (91–100).
Other Saudi institutions ranked this year were the University of Jeddah and the University of Tabuk (101–110); the Majmaah University (111–120); Al Baha University, Islamic University of Madinah, Najran University and the University of Hafr Albatin (131–150); Shaqra University (151–170); and Al-Yamamah University (171–200).
Egypt Excels in Research Quality
Egypt excels in research quality, with more universities in the region’s top 100 for citations per paper than any other country. Its premier public institution, Cairo University, boasts the Arab region’s second-best score in the academic reputational survey. Only KAU is held in higher regard.
Six Egyptian universities made it to the top 50 this year. Besides the three in the top 20—namely the American University in Cairo, Cairo University, and Ain Shams University—the others were Alexandria University (30th), Mansoura University (36th), and Future University in Egypt (50th).
Nine more Egyptian universities were among the top 100. Al-Azhar University and Assiut University were in a band ranked 51–60, followed by Helwan University and Zagazig University (61–70); the Arab Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, the German University in Cairo, and Tanta University (71–80); the British University in Egypt (81-90), and Suez Canal University (91–100).
Other Egyptian universities ranked in the top 150 were Banha University and Kafrelsheikh University, in a group ranked 101 to 110; Beni-Suef University and University of Sadat City (111-120); Menoufia University, Minia University, the Nile University, and October University for Modern Science and Arts (MSA) (121-130); Fayoum University and South Valley University (131–150).
Egypt excels in research quality, with more universities in the region’s top 100 for citations per paper than any other country. Its premier public institution, Cairo University, boasts the Arab region’s second-best score in the academic reputational survey.
Aswan University, Damietta University, and Sohag University were in the group ranked 151–170, and eight universities were in the group ranked 171–200: the Delta University for Science and Technology, Misr International University, Misr University for Science and Technology, Nahda University, October 6 University, Pharos University in Alexandria, Port Said University, and Suez University.
Iraq: 3rd-Most Represented Country
Twenty-four Iraqi universities made it to this year’s list, down from 28 universities last year. The University of Baghdad remains Iraq’s top-ranked university and its only university to place among the region’s top 50, ranking 43th, down from 40th in 2023.
Five other institutions were in the top 100: Mustansiriya University (71–80); Al-Nahrain University (81–90), and the University of Basrah, the University of Kufa, and the University of Technology–Iraq, all in the band ranked 91–100.
Six more Iraqi universities were in the top 150 this year. They were the University of Babylon (101–110); Soran University (121–130); and Salahaddin University–Erbil, the University of Anbar, the University of Mosul, and the University of Sulaimani, all ranked 131–50.
Iraqi institutions in the next grouping (151–170) were: Tikrit University, the University of Diyala, the University of Duhok , and the University of Kerbala, followed by the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr and the University of Al-Qadisiyah, in the band ranked 171–200.
Other Iraqi institutions in this year’s classification were: Al Muthanna University, the Lebanese French University Iraq, Northern Technical University, the University of Kirkuk, the University of Thi-Qar, and Wasit University, all ranked 201+.
Seven Iraqi universities were left out of the classification this year: the University of Fallujah, Southern Technical University, the Islamic University College in Najaf, Middle Technical University, Al Iraqia University, Nineveh University, and Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University.
Six of the Iraqi universities ranked are in Iraqi Kurdistan: Soran University, Salahaddin University–Erbil, the University of Duhok, the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr, and the University of Sulaimani.
Despite Lebanon’s stifling economic crisis, 13 Lebanese institutions were included in this year’s ranking. After the two in the top 20—the American University of Beirut and the country’s only public higher-education institution, the Lebanese University—six more were among the region’s top 50.
8 Lebanese Institutions in Top 50
Despite the country’s stifling economic crisis, 13 Lebanese institutions were included in this year’s ranking. After the two in the top 20—the American University of Beirut and the country’s only public higher-education institution, the Lebanese University—six more were among the region’s top 50. They were: the Lebanese American University (31st, down from 22nd), Beirut Arab University (32nd), Saint Joseph University of Beirut (33rd), the Islamic University of Lebanon (35th), Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (41st), and the University of Balamand (47th).
Other Lebanese institutions ranked this year were Notre Dame University–Louaize (in a group ranked 71–80, down from 49th), the Antonine University, ranked 131–150, American University of Science and Technology (151–170), and Rafik Hariri University and Université Libanaise Internationale, both ranked 171–200.
5 Jordanian Universities in Top 50
Jordan had 23 ranked universities this year, one more than in 2023. After its two in the top 20, the University of Jordan and Jordan University of Science and Technology, three others were among the top 50. They were Yarmouk University (41st), Princess Sumaya University for Technology (44th), and the Hashemite University (47th).
Five other Jordanian universities were among the top 100: Al-Ahliyya Amman University and the German Jordanian University, both ranked 51–60, followed by Mutah University (61–70), and Al-Balqa Applied University and the Applied Science Private University, both ranked 81–90.
Others in the top 150 were Al-Zaytoonah University, Middle East University Jordan, and Philadelphia University in Jordan, all in a band ranked 101 to 110; Amman Arab University (111–120); Al Albayt University and the University of Petra (121–130); and Al Hussein bin Talal University (131–150).
Isra University–Jordan, Tafila Technical University, and Zarqa University were ranked 151–170. Jadara University and the World Islamic Sciences and Education University were in the 171–200 grouping, followed by Irbid National University, in the group ranked 201+.
Jordan’s universities are among the region’s most diversified in terms of international students; it had more universities in the top 100 for that indicator than any other country. It is also home to a highly trained faculty cohort, with 83 percent of its institutions placing among the top 100 for staff members with a Ph.D. In another indicator, web impact, which seeks to measure an institution’s online presence, Jordan is the region’s top performer, with four universities placing among the top 10 and two in the top three, including the regional leader, Philadelphia University in Jordan.
U.A.E.: High Proportion of Top Universities
The United Arab Emirates is one of the Arab region’s most improved locations overall. Five universities climb in this year’s table, while only two drop and seven remain stable within their rank or band. Its universities dominate QS’s internationalisation indicators. The four top-performing institutions for proportion of international students and the five top-performing universities for proportion of international faculty all belong to the U.A.E.
The five Emirati institutions in the top 20 were the United Arab Emirates University, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the American University of Sharjah, the University of Sharjah, and Zayed University.
After those, five more universities in the Emirates ranked among the region’s top 50. They were the Canadian University in Dubai (21st), Ajman University (22nd), Abu Dhabi University (23rd), Al Ain University (28th), and the American University in Dubai (38th).
Other ranked universities in the Emirates, all in the top 100, were the American University of Ras Al-Khaimah (51–60); the British University in Dubai (61–70); the University of Dubai (71–80); and the American University in the Emirates (91–100).
While only two Qatari universities are ranked, both performed exceptionally. Qatar University placed third overall and Hamad Bin Khalifa University made an impressive debut to the list, coming in 13th and topping the table in four indicators, more than any other university.
Other Gulf Universities
Oman’s best ranked institution, Sultan Qaboos University, placed tenth in the region, down from eighth last year.The other six ranked Omani institutions were the University of Nizwa (61–70); Dhofar University (81–90); the National University of Science and Technology, and Sohar University (101–110); the German University of Technology in Oman (111–120); and a new entrant to the classification, A’Sharqiyah University (171–200).
While only two Qatari universities are ranked, both performed exceptionally. Qatar University placed third overall, thanks to outstanding research in terms of collaboration, output and impact. Hamad Bin Khalifa University made an impressive debut to the list, coming in 13th and topping the table in four indicators, more than any other university. It is the Arab region’s top-rated institution in measures of research, staff expertise, and teaching resources.
Bahrain had four ranked universities, including two in the top 50, down from three last year. They were Applied Science University–Bahrain (20th), Ahlia University (34th), the Arabian Gulf University (51–60), and the University of Bahrain (61–70, down from 45th).
Kuwait also had four ranked universities: the American University of the Middle East (25th), Kuwait University (45th, down from 30th), Gulf University for Science and Technology (46th), and the Arab Open University–Kuwait (131–150).
More Arab African Universities
Five of Tunisia’s nine ranked universities made it to the top 100. They were the University of Tunis El Manar (39th, up from 46th); the University of Sfax (61–70); the University of Carthage (71–80); the University of Monastir (81–90); and the University of Sousse (91–100).
The other Tunisian institutions ranked were the University of Tunis (121–130), a new entrant, the University of Jendouba (131–150), and the University of Gabès and Manouba University (171–200).
Out of ten ranked Moroccan universities, only two made it to the top 100: Mohammed V University of Rabat (81–90) and Cadi Ayyad University (91–100).
Other Moroccan institutions ranked this year were the International University of Rabat and the University of Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah (111–120); Hassan II University of Casablanca (121–130); Al Akhawayn University and Ibn Tofail University (131–150); Sultan Moulay Slimane University (151–170); and two new entrants, Mohamed I University (171–200); and Abdelmalek Essaadi University (201+).
Morocco is the regional leader in the staff expertise category, boasting the highest average score for staff members with a Ph.D. Four of the Arab region’s five top-scoring universities in this metric are Moroccan, with Université Sultan Moulay Slimane (151–170) placing second. Only Qatar’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University scored higher.
Morocco is the regional leader in the staff expertise category, boasting the highest average score for staff members with a Ph.D. Four of the Arab region’s five top-scoring universities in this metric are Moroccan, with Université Sultan Moulay Slimane (151–170) placing second. Only Qatar’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University scored higher.
Algeria had 14 ranked universities, four more than in 2023, including two ranked in the 131–150 grouping: Ferhat Abbas University Setif 1, and the University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd–Tlemcen.
Other Algerian institutions in this year’s ranking were: the University of Science and Technology of Oran–Mohamed Boudiaf, the University of Sciences and Technology–Houari Boumediene, and Djillali Liabes University, all in a band ranked 151–170; newly ranked Freres Mentouri University in Constantine (151–170). The 171–200 grouping included two new entrants to the list, the University of Amar Telidji–Laghouat and 8 May 1945 University of Guelma, plus three other universities: the University of Badji Mokhtar–Annaba, the University of Bejaia, and the University of M’Sila. Another new entrant, the University of Larbi Ben Mhidi–Oum El Bouaghi, was in the group ranked 201+, along with the University of Oran and the University of M’Hamed Bougara Boumerdes.
Libya doubled its number of ranked institutions, with six in the list this year. The University of Benghazi, the University of Gharyan, the University of Tripoli, and University of Zawia were all in the 151–170 band, and new entrant Omar Al Mukhtar University and Sebha University came in the band ranking 201+.
With six ranked universities too, Sudan has tripled its ranked institutions this year. They were the University of Khartoum, in the 81–90 grouping; Sudan University of Science and Technology (131–150); Kassala University (171-200); and the National University in Sudan, the University of Bahri, and the University of Gezira, all in the 201+ grouping.
Conflict Zones
Despite tensions and academic disruptions, three of Palestine’s eleven ranked universities were in the top 100: An-Najah National University (51–60), Al-Quds University (61–70), and Birzeit University (71–80).
The other eight Palestinian institutions ranked were the Arab American University in Jenin, the Islamic University of Gaza, and Palestine Technical University–Kadoorie, all ranked 111–120, up from 131–150 last year; followed by Al-Azhar University of Gaza, Bethlehem University, newly ranked Hebron University, and Palestine Polytechnic University, all ranked 171–200; and Al-Aqsa University (201+).
War-torn Syria’s oldest institution, Damascus University, was in the 131–150 grouping, while the University of Aleppo entered the classification for first time, in the group ranked 201+.
Yemen doubled its ranked institutions this year, with four. They are: the University of Aden and the University of Science and Technology, in Sana’a (171–200), and Sana’a University and Thamar University (201+).
Four Arab countries were not represented on QS’s list this year: Comoros, Djibouti, Mauritania and Somalia.
Related Reading
- QS Arab Region University Rankings for 2023 Include 199 Universities
- 84 Arab Universities Are Ranked in the 2024 QS World University Rankings
- Saudi Arabia Leads Arab Region in the 2023 QS Rankings by Subject
