Ten universities in the UAE have been recognized among the Arab region’s best universities for sustainability and social impact, according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability.
The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) leads the UAE’s institutions, ranking 343rd globally in this category.
UAE Excels in Equality
The UAE universities performed best in the “equality” category, highlighting their diverse and inclusive campuses that provide robust support for students and staff.
What the Rankings Measure
The QS Sustainability Rankings evaluate universities based on their social impact, environmental impact, and governance. This comprehensive framework assesses how universities are addressing critical global challenges.
Regional Leaders in Sustainability
The American University of Beirut (AUB) leads the region in four categories: equality, knowledge exchange, education impact, and environmental sustainability. AUB ranks 77th globally in “knowledge exchange” and 58th in “environmental sustainability.”
Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz University (KAU) is the second-highest ranked in the region, holding the 207th global position. KAU earns the region’s top score in “employability and outcomes,” placing 138th globally in this category. Saudi universities also excel in environmental research, with three of the region’s top-performing universities in this area located in the kingdom.
Highlights from Other Arab Universities
- Cairo University is Egypt’s top-ranked institution, excelling in subjects with environmental impacts like earth and marine sciences. It ranks 98th globally in the “environmental education” lens.
- Qatar University is the Arab region’s third-highest ranked institution, leading in “health and wellbeing” and “governance.” It ranks 236th globally in health and wellbeing and 153rd in governance.
A Call for Sustainability in Higher Education
Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, emphasized the importance of sustainability in education:
“The QS Sustainability Rankings support the higher education sector’s transition to sustainable practices by promoting transparency, impactful research, equality, and climate mitigation. By assessing institutions across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) categories, the rankings inspire positive change in higher education.”
What Students Look For
Modern students prioritize sustainability when selecting universities. According to the 2024 QS International Student Survey, 62% of students consider sustainability practices “very important,” and 40% actively seek this information when choosing an institution.
Global Representation in Rankings
This year’s rankings analyzed 1,744 universities from 107 countries. The United States leads with 239 ranked institutions, followed by China with 114 and the United Kingdom with 99.
