Arab University Rankings 2024: a region on the rise

Browse the full results of the Arab University Rankings 2024

When Times Higher Education launched the Arab University Rankings three years ago, universities in the prosperous Gulf states were the leading lights. But this year, institutions outside that region are showing strong signs of progress, proving that they can shine just as brightly as many Saudi and Emirati counterparts, despite facing tough economic, social and political challenges.

This year’s edition of the THE Arab University Rankings features Egypt and Jordan in the top 10, with both countries achieving their highest positions yet, as explored in our main analysis. As a result, the Gulf no longer has a monopoly in that elite group at the summit.

Meanwhile, Iraq is now the most-represented country in the list, which reflects the research, teaching, internationalisation and societal impact of more than 230 universities across 16 countries. One of those nations, Syria, features for the first time, while Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Lebanon and Bahrain all have new national number ones.

About one-sixth of places in the table are claimed by universities that are newly ranked when compared with last year. In these pages, we introduce the five highest-ranked newcomers – from Bahrain, Morocco, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – examining how each performs across the five pillars underpinning our methodology.

We also hear directly from university leaders on the ground about some of their key priorities and most pressing challenges.

A Lebanese leader explains the importance of virtual exchange, especially in countries facing conflict; a senior cybersecurity expert in Egypt reveals how she balances security, collaboration and digital transformation at her university; while the chancellor of one of the UAE’s top higher education institutions discusses his interest in the different types of intelligence, as well as his views on the debate about freedom of speech.

Despite the increasing diversity in the ranking, there is no denying Saudi Arabia’s grip at the very top of the table – at least for now. So we also feature a contribution from Sir Ed Byrne, the newly inaugurated president of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), which is the number one institution in the Arab region for the second consecutive year.

Reflecting on his journey to the rising institution – Byrne previously served as president of leading universities in Australia and the UK – he says his “goal was always to ensure these institutions became not only academically stronger but more impactful on the communities they serve”.

“Now, in Saudi Arabia,” he writes, “the stakes – and the possibilities – are even greater.”

ellie.bothwell@timeshighereducation.com

Countries/territories in the Arab University Rankings 2024