New Ranking Highlights Research, Social Impact of 50 Arab Universities

The digital verification platform Manhom and the communication consultancy SciComm X have released a list of 50 Arab universities that they regard as the region’s best in terms of research impact and community engagement. The ranking is available in English and Arabic.

Majarra, an Arabic digital content provider and the parent company of Manhom, said in a news release that the ranking aimed to showcase the role of Arab universities in advancing knowledge and scientific production, as well as in creating tangible impacts within Arab societies by linking academic research to public policy and sustainable development.

The list serves as a key reference for decision-makers, academic leaders, and students, underscoring the vital role of higher education institutions in building competitive, knowledge-driven societies, the company said.

2 Key Indicators

The ranking was developed based on two main criteria: research performance—which encompasses the quality, volume, and international reach of scientific output—and societal impact, which evaluates community outreach, public engagement, and the role of universities in advancing the knowledge economy and sustainable development.

The United Arab Emirates’ Khalifa University of Science and Technology took the top position on the list, followed by Qatar University in second place. Both achieved exceptional results across both the research and societal impact dimensions.

Rounding out the top five were the University of Sharjah in third place, the Lebanese American University (fourth), and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz University (fifth).

Saudi Arabia had three more institutions in the top 10: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), in seventh place; King Saud University, in eighth place; and King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), ninth.

Also in the top 10 were the United Arab Emirates University (sixth) and the American University of Beirut (tenth).

Strong Saudi Presence

The geographical distribution of the ranked institutions reflects the evolving landscape of higher education in the Arab region.

Saudi Arabia was the most-represented country, with 18 universities on the list, more than one-third of the total. The kingdom has invested heavily in research and innovation under Vision 2030, its wide-ranging plan for diversifying its economy and modernising its society. This investment is reflected in the rise of globally respected research institutions like the top universities on this list, alongside a new generation of emerging institutions working to strengthen their research profiles.

The United Arab Emirates had nine universities on the list, including the three in the top 10 and Ajman University in 11th place.

Egypt had eight universities on the list, led by Ain Shams University in 16th place, Mansoura University in 17th place, and Alexandria University (27th).

Jordan followed with six universities, led by the University of Jordan in 12th place. Lebanon, Kuwait, and Bahrain each had two universities on the list, while Oman, Palestine, and Qatar each had one.

Shaping the Future of Knowledge, Innovation

“This ranking underscores the pivotal role of Arab universities in advancing global scientific research while addressing the needs of their local communities,” said Hamoud Almahmoud, head of content at Majarra. “By combining the criteria of research excellence and societal impact, we recognise institutions that are helping to shape the future of knowledge and innovation across the region.”

Saad Lotfey, co-founder of SciComm X, added: “This ranking not only highlights the most productive universities in research but also brings attention to those that effectively connect their research with society. At SciComm X, we believe that strong scientific communication is what transforms academic research from published papers into a tangible impact acknowledged by both society and policymakers.”

About the Ranking’s Authors

Manhom, whose Arabic name means “Who Are They”, describes itself as a verified Arab presence platform for individuals and institutions. Based in Abu Dhabi, the platform provides information on more than half a million people and organisations across the region and serves as an authoritative reference for numerous local, regional, and international entities. The platform’s data reaches over 24 million users annually.

SciComm X is a consulting firm based in Dubai that specialises in scientific communication and promoting engagement with research. It focuses on connecting science with society through innovative media approaches and research-driven strategies.