Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has achieved a major milestone in the QS World University Rankings 2026, climbing an impressive 110 places to rank 391 globally, and earning a coveted position among the top 400 universities in the world.
This significant jump reflects ADU’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global competitiveness, and impactful research. The university’s enhanced global standing strengthens its reputation as a premier institution in higher education, aligned with both national priorities and international benchmarks.
Ranked Among the Top 400 Universities Globally
Regionally, ADU has also advanced to fifth place among 12 UAE universities, up two spots from the previous year. These results were published following the introduction of advanced data validation techniques by QS, designed to improve the accuracy of institutional comparisons and the reliability of reputation metrics.
The university demonstrated notable progress across multiple QS indicators — particularly in employer reputation, academic reputation, and citations per faculty — highlighting its growing influence in research, graduate employability, and global thought leadership.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, stated:
“This consistent rise in the QS World University Rankings reflects the steady momentum we have built over the years through a clear strategic vision and purposeful academic investment. Year after year, we continue to climb the global rankings, driven by a commitment to excellence in teaching, impactful research, and international collaboration. We are proud to be among the top 400 universities globally, an affirmation of the quality of our programs and their alignment with international standards. We remain committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will thrive, innovate, and contribute to the UAE’s national agenda and beyond, across diverse sectors.”
He added:
“As we mark this achievement, I extend my sincere gratitude to our students, faculty, researchers, and staff whose dedication has made this milestone possible.”
Excellence in Higher Education and Global Engagement
The QS World University Rankings are one of the most respected global benchmarks for academic institutions, and its evolving methodology now includes broader metrics such as sustainability, diversity, international collaboration, and social impact.
ADU’s high performance across these pillars reflects its inclusive campus culture, world-class academic offerings, and ongoing contributions to knowledge-based community building. These achievements are closely aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community initiative, which celebrates shared progress through innovation, connection, and education.
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