The Arab Universities Union has unveiled the Arab University Rankings for 2025, which provides an objective and comprehensive assessment of the performance of Arab universities in the fields of education, scientific research, innovation and entrepreneurship, local and international cooperation, in addition to community service.

Arab University Rankings 2025

This ranking comes within the framework of supporting academic and research excellence in the Arab region. It is a joint Arab project and represents an important reference for students, faculty members, and decision-makers in higher education institutions.

Top 10 Arab universities in the 2025 ranking:

  • King Saud University – Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates University – United Arab Emirates
  • Sultan Qaboos University – Oman
  • The University of Jordan – Jordan
  • Abu Dhabi University – United Arab Emirates
  • King Khalid University – Saudi Arabia
  • Cairo University – Egypt
  • University of Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
  • University of Tunis El Manar – Tunisia
  • Ain Shams University – Egypt

The 2025 ranking saw a noticeable increase in the number of participating universities and countries, with 285 universities from 20 Arab countries submitting applications. A total of 236 universities met the ranking requirements, an increase of 56 universities from the previous year, and 4 new Arab countries joined the ranking.

Distribution of ranked universities by country:

  • Iraq: 63
  • Egypt: 54
  • Libya: 20
  • Jordan: 18
  • Saudi Arabia: 14
  • Yemen: 14
  • Palestine: 9
  • UAE: 8
  • Tunisia: 6
  • Algeria: 6
  • Syria: 6
  • Somalia: 4
  • Morocco: 3
  • Lebanon: 2
  • Kuwait: 2
  • Sultanate of Oman: 2
  • Mauritania: 2
  • Bahrain: 1
  • Sudan: 1
  • Comoros: 1

Cairo University

Cairo University, founded in 1908, is Egypt’s premier public university and one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the Arab world. Originally named the Egyptian University, it was established as a secular, national alternative to the religious education of Al-Azhar and played a pivotal role in Egypt’s modern intellectual and political movements. Today, it remains a major academic and research center with numerous faculties spread across its main campus in Giza.

King Saud University

King Saud University, founded in 1957 by King Saud bin Abdulaziz, is the first university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established to meet the nation’s higher education needs, it has grown into a major public research institution in Riyadh. It is renowned for its expansive campus and its role as a leading academic center in the Arab world.

United Arab Emirates University

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), founded in 1976 in Al Ain, is the nation’s first and oldest comprehensive public research university. Established by the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it was created to be a flagship institution for higher education and scientific research in the country. Today, it remains a leading academic center, driving innovation and development while preserving a strong connection to Emirati heritage.

Sultan Qaboos University

Sultan Qaboos University, located near Muscat, is the first and largest public university in Oman. It was founded in 1986 by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said to be a national center for higher education and research. The university is renowned for its modern campus and comprehensive academic programs, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s development.

The University of Jordan

The University of Jordan, founded in 1962 in Amman, is the country’s first and largest institution of higher education. Established by royal decree, it has played a pivotal role in Jordan’s modern development, educating generations of leaders and expanding to become a comprehensive public university with a strong regional academic reputation.

Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is a private, comprehensive university founded in 2003 with campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai. It was established to support the UAE’s vision of developing a knowledge-based economy and has grown to become one of the region’s leading institutions, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

King Khalid University

King Khalid University is a public university located in Abha, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1998 by royal decree and named after King Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It was established by merging several existing colleges and has since grown into a major educational and research institution in the southwestern Asir region. The university plays a significant role in the Kingdom’s higher education system, offering a wide range of academic programs.

University of Sharjah

The University of Sharjah is a major public university in the United Arab Emirates, founded in 1997 by the decree of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah. It has rapidly grown into a comprehensive institution with multiple campuses, offering a wide range of academic programs and aiming to be a leading center for education and research in the region.