المملكة: For the third year… KAUST ranks first in the Arab world "Times Higher Education"

The results of the classification were announced during the Times Arab World Universities Summit 2025, which was hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with broad participation from leaders of higher education, policy makers and the industrial sector.

The results highlighted the advanced performance. KAUST excels in standards of education, scientific research, knowledge transfer, and international partnerships, in addition to its growing global presence.

Professor Edward Byrne, President of KAUST, stressed that maintaining first place for three consecutive years is a sign of "An exceptional achievement that reflects the university’s consistent excellence and the dedication of its faculty, students, employees and partners"

Saudi Arabia’s global competitiveness

He pointed out "Bern" He pointed out that this excellence embodies the vital role that KAUST plays in supporting innovation and achieving the ambitions of Vision 2030. He added: "This continued momentum confirms the Kingdom’s increasing global competitiveness in the advanced research and education sectors"

The 2025 classification was prepared according to a comprehensive evaluation framework dedicated to the region’s universities, based on 20 main indicators that included the global impact of research citations, the quality of the educational environment, industrial cooperation, and the expansion of international partnerships in scientific research.

KAUST topped all of these indicators at the region level for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, in confirmation of the excellence of its research methodology and its ability to innovate.

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Research and Development in Saudi Arabia

KAUST continues its leadership role through a world-class research system that works to find qualitative solutions to the challenges of sustainability, health, water, food security, and clean energy.

Its influential presence in the academic scene is evident through the selection of 16 of its faculty members among the list "Clarivate" For the most cited researchers for the year 2025, which reflects the quality of scientific production and its extended impact.

The advanced infrastructure at the university, in addition to its partnerships with the most prominent research centers and industrial bodies, also contributes to transforming research into practical applications that are compatible with the priorities of the research, development and innovation (RDI) system in the Kingdom.

A global destination for scientists and innovators

This approach strengthens KAUST’s position as an attractive environment. For research competencies and a global destination for scientists and innovators.

The university continues to empower its students through applied education and specialized academic guidance, providing them with the necessary skills for leadership in the fields of science and technology.

This trend strengthens the Kingdom’s presence on the international arena, and confirms the pivotal role of KAUST in shaping the future of the knowledge economy and stimulating national capabilities that contribute to building an innovative and globally competitive society.