Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has achieved a significant milestone in the QS World University Rankings 2026, rising 110 positions to secure 391st place globally. This leap places ADU among the top 400 universities worldwide—a prestigious recognition of its growing global influence and academic excellence.
The university also advanced to fifth position nationally among 12 UAE institutions, up two places from the previous year. The rankings reflect enhanced metrics used by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), including improved methodologies for measuring employer and academic reputation, citations per faculty, and overall research impact.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, welcomed the announcement as a testament to the university’s long-term strategic vision. “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,” he said.
He added, “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.”
The QS rankings are widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive indicators of university performance, assessing academic reputation, employer perception, faculty-student ratio, research output, internationalisation, and sustainability. ADU showed particular gains in employer and academic reputation, as well as research citations per faculty, indicating strong engagement with industry and academic peers.
The university attributes its success to a combination of high-impact research, a diverse academic community, global partnerships, and a supportive learning environment. This progress aligns closely with the UAE’s Year of Community, reinforcing ADU’s role in advancing societal cohesion through education and innovation.
With this global recognition, ADU further cements its position as a rising academic leader in the region, dedicated to preparing graduates for meaningful contributions in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
