UAE University Ranks Joint First in UAE and 235th Globally in 2027 World Rankings
By Thasmiya
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has reached a new milestone, ranking **joint first in the UAE and joint 235th globally** in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027.
The Al Ain-based university shares the top national position with Khalifa University, according to the newly released rankings.
The achievement comes during a significant year for UAEU as the country’s national university celebrates its **50th anniversary**.
## **UAEU ranks 235th in the world**
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, both **United Arab Emirates University and Khalifa University are ranked joint 235th worldwide**, making them the highest-ranked UAE institutions in this edition.
Other UAE universities appearing near the top of the country’s table include Abu Dhabi University and the University of Sharjah in the **301–325** global band, while Ajman University is in the **376–400** band.
The 2027 edition includes **2,297 universities across 118 countries and territories**, making it the largest edition of the rankings to date.
## **What does Times Higher Education measure?**
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings evaluate institutions across several major areas of university performance.
These include **teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry engagement**. A range of performance indicators is used to compare universities across these areas.
The ranking therefore considers more than teaching alone, incorporating factors connected to research, international engagement and universities’ relationships with industry.
## **UAEU marks another strong year in global rankings**
The latest result follows several other ranking achievements for UAEU in 2026.
In the **Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2026**, UAEU ranked **first in the UAE, third in the GCC and 55th in Asia**.
The university also appeared among the world’s leading institutions across **21 subjects** in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, improving its position in eight subjects.
In the previous Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, UAEU was placed in the **201–250 global band**and shared the highest national position with Khalifa University and Abu Dhabi University.
## **UAEU celebrates 50 years**
The ranking arrives as UAEU celebrates its Golden Jubilee.
Established in **1976**, UAEU is the UAE’s national university and has spent five decades developing its academic, research and innovation capabilities.
UAEU Chancellor Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh said the latest ranking reflects the position the university has established over five decades, while describing it as a responsibility to continue investing in knowledge, research and people.
Vice Chancellor Professor Ahmed Ali Alraeesi said the university is continuing to develop its academic and research ecosystem in line with international standards, with particular attention to areas of national priority.
## **Why this matters**
UAEU’s joint first-place national position highlights the growing international presence of universities based in the Emirates.
With UAEU and Khalifa University both at **joint 235th globally**, and several other UAE institutions appearing in the global rankings, the latest results also provide students with another benchmark when comparing higher-education options within the country.
For UAEU, the result carries additional significance as the university enters its sixth decade and continues expanding its role in education, scientific research and innovation.
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