Latest news with #ArabRegion
Arabian Business
10 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Top Arab universities 2026 revealed: Education institutions in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Oman climb QS rankings
The best universities in the world have been named in a prestigious academic ranking, with a Saudi institution taking the top spot in the Arab region. QS Quacquarelli Symonds released its highly respected rankings of global universities on Thursday and institutions in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and around the Arab world saw progress. In global rankings, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) retained the top position for the 14th consecutive year, followed by Imperial College London and Stanford University. Best Arab universities revealed Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) was ranked as the best Arab university and achieved a new global milestone by entering the list of the world's top 100 universities, ranking 67th. This advancement is a direct result of the university's strategic transformation launched in 2020, during which it climbed from 200th to 67th place in just five years. The new QS rankings evaluated more than 8,467 universities from across 106 locations and the 2026 QS World University Rankings featured 107 universities from the Arab Region—25 more than last year. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) leads the Arab region, rising to 67th globally—the first Arab institution ever to enter the top 100. Qatar University climbs to 112th, and King Saud University advances to 143rd, reinforcing the region's growing influence on the global higher education stage. The QS methodology evaluates universities based on key indicators, including academic reputation (assessed through expert surveys on teaching and research quality), employer reputation (measuring graduate employability), and faculty-to-student ratios (reflecting educational quality). Research impact is gauged through citation metrics, while international faculty and student ratios demonstrate institutional diversity and global appeal. Additional metrics encompass sustainability performance, contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), graduate employment outcomes, and international research collaboration networks. Top Arab Institutions in QS World University Rankings 2026 KFUPM in Saudi Arabia is now ranked 67 in the world Qatar University in Qatar is now ranked 112 in the world King Saud University in Saudi Arabia is now ranked 143 in the world King Abdul Aziz University in Saudi Arabia is now ranked 163 in the world Khalifa University in UAE is now ranked 177 in the world United Arab Emirates University in UAE is now ranked 229 in the world American University of Beirut in Lebanon is now ranked 237 in the world Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar is now ranked 244 in the world American University of Sharjah in UAE is now ranked 272 in the world University of Jordan in Jordan is now ranked 324 in the world University of Sharjah in UAE is now ranked 328 in the world Sultan Qaboos University in Oman is now ranked 334 in the world Cairo University in Egypt is now ranked 337 in the world The American University in Cairo in Egypt is now ranked 381 in the world Abu Dhabi University in UAE is now ranked 391 in the world In total, 42 percent of ranked Arab universities improved their position, 32 per cent remained stable, and 26 percent declined. Eleven institutions appear in the rankings for the first time—six from Jordan, five from Iraq, and three each from Lebanon and Oman. Saudi Arabia adds two new entrants, and Palestine sees one institution ranked for the first time. The UAE sees seven of its 12 universities rise in rank, with Khalifa University entering the top 200. Egypt added five new entries, while Cairo University climbed to 347th. Jordan and Iraq are among the top contributors of new ranked universities worldwide. Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, said:'Only nine countries added five or more universities to the rankings this year—and three of them are in the Arab region. This reflects a rapidly evolving ecosystem.' Governments in the region are increasingly linking higher education performance to national goals. Saudi Arabia aims for five universities in the top 200 by 2030. The UAE aligns rankings with its Higher Education Strategy 2030, and Egypt incorporates education as a central element of its Vision 2030. As global competition intensifies QS underscores the importance of international visibility, research collaboration, and graduate outcomes for maintaining momentum. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is now listed as the first ever Arab university to enter the global top 100. Last year, the university ranked 101st, underscoring the remarkable progress made in just one year. University President Dr. Muhammad Al Saggaf noted that KFUPM's entry into the global top 100 reflects the university's bold vision and the tremendous support it receives from the Kingdom's leadership. He described this as a pivotal moment in the university's journey toward global prominence, with even greater aspirations ahead. KFUPM's comprehensive transformation has spanned across academic, research, and administrative domains. Nearly 100 new programs have been launched, including innovative undergraduate and graduate offerings. The university also introduced the region's first entrepreneurship program, granting students and researchers full ownership of their startups—a move that reflects a modern, innovation-driven academic culture focused on economic empowerment. Khalifa University of Science and Technology is the highest ranked university in the UAE, jumping 25 places to be ranked 177th globally. For eight consecutive years, Khalifa University has remained the top institution in the UAE, reinforcing its status as a national leader in higher education and research. In the 2026 edition, the university leads across several key indicators, including 11th in the world for 'International Faculty,' top in the UAE for 'Citations per Faculty' and 'Faculty Student Ratio', affirming its leadership in attracting global talent and producing high-impact scientific research. Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: 'As global academic and research landscape evolves, our consistent climb to reach the top 200 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings reinforces Khalifa University's status as a driving force in science and technology, particularly among researchers and students seeking world-class opportunities closer to home. The 177th rank remains a testament to our faculty and students whose work continues to make a positive impact, while highlighting our global growing presence. Through our diverse academic community and our expanding international and regional industry collaborations, we are consistently contributing to meeting UAE's ambitions in knowledge economy leadership.' The 2026 QS World University Rankings recognised five Omani higher education institutions, including Sultan Qaboos University, University of Nizwa, Dhofar University, Sohar University, and the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech). Sultan Qaboos University achieved significant progress, climbing 28 spots to secure the 334th position globally. This performance reflects the steady advancement of Oman's academic and research infrastructure, as reported by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the UK-based global higher education analyst, on its official 2026 rankings website. QS World University Rankings 2026 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States Imperial College London, United Kingdom Stanford University, United States University of Oxford, United Kingdom Harvard University, United States University of Cambridge, United Kingdom ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), Switzerland National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore UCL (University College London), United Kingdom California Institute of Technology (Caltech), United States
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Times of Oman
Visual identity of Bahla Fort unveiled
Manah: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in collaboration with UNESCO's Chair for World Heritage Management and Sustainable Tourism in the Arab Region and Marasim Tourism & Investment Company, on Monday unveiled the visual identity of Bahla Fort. This initiative aims to highlight the fort's historical, cultural, and architectural significance through a unified design. The event took place at Oman Across Ages Museum. Eng. Ali Ahmed Al Shaqsi, Director General of Bahla Fort Management and Operation Project, stated: "This fort has stood through the ages as a testament to Omani ingenuity and a symbol of our deep-rooted civilization, whose eternal glories continue to be recounted across generations." He emphasized that the launch of Bahla Fort's official identity marks a renewed vision that harmonizes form and substance. On his turn, Dr. Hussein Sulaiman Al Salmi, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs at the German University of Technology, noted that the visual identity competition attracted 31 participants from nine countries – the first such initiative for a UNESCO World Heritage site in the GCC. He highlighted Bahla Fort's 1987 UNESCO listing, recognizing its significance as a medieval defensive structure featuring unique earthen architecture and ancient irrigation systems. The ceremony, held under the patronage of Eng. Ibrahim Said Al Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, featured a visual presentation on Bahla Fort, its historical mosque, and surrounding facilities. The visual identity represents a strategic step toward unifying all visual communications related to the fort's projects and activities, enhancing its position on Oman's cultural tourism map while raising public awareness of its civilizational value.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Iraq liquidates 2 joint firms with Syria
Two out of four joint investment companies with Syria have been liquidated, the Iraqi Fund for External Development has revealed. In a statement on Thursday, the Fund noted that Iraq holds investments in four Syria-based companies, operating in both euros and US dollars. The first to be liquidated was the Arab Company for Livestock Development (ACOLID), with capital exceeding $210 million and a 16.8 percent Iraqi stake valued at $35.684 million. The second is the Iraqi-Syrian Land Transport Company, which holds €10 million in capital, half of which is owned by Iraq at a value of €5 million. The report also noted that two other companies are undergoing liquidation: the Iraqi-Syrian Maritime Navigation Company, with a capital of €25 million—of which Iraq holds a 50 percent share worth €12.5 million—and the Iraqi-Syrian Telecommunications Company, which has a capital of €20 million, with Iraq's stake amounting to €10 million. Iraq currently maintains investments in 30 joint companies across the Arab region. (Reporting by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Mid East Info
28-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Director-General of Federal Tax Authority lauds 3 wins at Sharjah Public Finance Award - Middle East Business News and Information
H.E. Khalid Al Bustani: 'Awards reflect the FTA's institutional excellence and an environment of optimum innovation' Sharjah,May 2025: Following the 3rd edition of the Sharjah Public Finance Award, H.E. Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director-General of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), said that winning three Arab Region awards in both institutional and individual categories is another important achievement – adding to the Authority's track record of accomplishments under its innovation strategy. The FTA's innovation strategy was established with the aim of achieving global leadership in tax revenue collection, establishing a culture of voluntary compliance to support financial sustainability, developing innovative solutions to continuously improve the services provided to customers, and promoting an institutional environment that supports and encourages creativity and innovation. The three accolades awarded to the FTA included one institutional and two individual awards. The FTA won in the category of 'Institution Distinguished in Financial Innovation,' with two FTA employees picking up individual awards for 'Outstanding Arab Tax Manager' and 'Outstanding Arab Procurement and Contracts Manager'. During a ceremony, held recently at the Sharjah Cultural Palace Theatre, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department, congratulated and presented H.E. Khalid Ali Al Bustani with the FTA's institution award, in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of SFD and Secretary-General of the Award, along with a number of senior officials from government and private entities in Arab countries, local departments, and representatives of the financial sector from across the UAE. The individual awardees included Saida Kaddoumi Osman, Tax Policy Consultant at the FTA, who took first place for the 'Outstanding Arab Tax Manager' award. This category awards outstanding individuals working in Arab government entities responsible for managing tax affairs, and is dedicated to mid-tier tax administration leaders. Sulaiman Abdullah, Director of the Administrative Affairs Department at the FTA, was the other individual award winner, coming first in the 'Outstanding Arab Procurement and Contracts Manager' award category. This award recognises individuals with outstanding performance in the public finance departments of Arab government entities, specifically mid-tier tax administration leaders who are responsible for procurement, tendering and contract management processes that are carried out with a high level of excellence and transparency. Following today's announcement, the FTA Director-General said: 'We are proud to win these prestigious awards, especially given the strong competition from many well-established entities with great expertise in public finance – from across the Arab world. 'Through continuous efforts to develop and update our technology infrastructure and human resources, the FTA has shown itself a clear leader across multiple award categories. This reflects our continuous efforts to implement development plans that maintain the highest standards and enhance both leadership and deliver excellence in the tax sector – both regionally and internationally.' His Excellency added, 'This milestone is further testament to the FTA's advanced organisational maturity – despite being a relatively new institution. By adopting the concept of innovation as a core pillar for the sustainable growth and efficiency of the UAE's tax system, the FTA demonstrates its commitment to excellence and its growing role as a global leader in the field of tax administration. The Director-General also praised the wider team at the FTA for their ongoing dedication to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, ensuring that the Authority maintains its position as a leading global tax authority that supports financial sustainability in accordance with the highest standards of governance and transparency.' The Sharjah Public Finance Award 'Institution Distinguished in Financial Innovation Award' category is presented to a government entity that has developed innovative solutions to enhance financial operations or address challenges encountered by the financial sector. It was noted that the digital system implemented for the refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) to tourists was one of the primary submissions under consideration for this category. The FTA successfully overcame a significant challenge by transitioning from conventional, paper-based procedures for tourist VAT refunds, which were time-consuming and labour-intensive. The FTA's solution was to launch the world's first integrated digital VAT refund system for tourists, which has overcome many procedural and processing obstacles, thereby delivering an exceptional experience for tourists, while supporting the digital transformation and sustainability goals of the UAE government. The VAT refund system also reinforces the UAE's leadership in innovation and smart government services. Launched in 2016, the Sharjah Award in Public Finance, is the first Arab award specialising in government financial excellence. It was initiated by the Sharjah Finance Department in cooperation with the Arab Administrative Development Organisation of the League of Arab States. The of this was to help consolidate a regional culture of excellence, developing administrative ideologies and creating a collective identity of efficiency and excellence among different government entities. The award also aims to encourage the optimal use of financial resources, the implementation of the most effective financial and administrative systems, and the development of government budgets to achieve sustainable development.
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Director-General of Federal Tax Authority lauds 3 wins at Sharjah Public Finance Award
Sharjah: Following the 3rd edition of the Sharjah Public Finance Award, H.E. Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director-General of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), said that winning three Arab Region awards in both institutional and individual categories is another important achievement – adding to the Authority's track record of accomplishments under its innovation strategy. The FTA's innovation strategy was established with the aim of achieving global leadership in tax revenue collection, establishing a culture of voluntary compliance to support financial sustainability, developing innovative solutions to continuously improve the services provided to customers, and promoting an institutional environment that supports and encourages creativity and innovation. The three accolades awarded to the FTA included one institutional and two individual awards. The FTA won in the category of 'Institution Distinguished in Financial Innovation,' with two FTA employees picking up individual awards for 'Outstanding Arab Tax Manager' and 'Outstanding Arab Procurement and Contracts Manager'. During a ceremony, held recently at the Sharjah Cultural Palace Theatre, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department, congratulated and presented H.E. Khalid Ali Al Bustani with the FTA's institution award, in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of SFD and Secretary-General of the Award, along with a number of senior officials from government and private entities in Arab countries, local departments, and representatives of the financial sector from across the UAE. The individual awardees included Saida Kaddoumi Osman, Tax Policy Consultant at the FTA, who took first place for the 'Outstanding Arab Tax Manager' award. This category awards outstanding individuals working in Arab government entities responsible for managing tax affairs, and is dedicated to mid-tier tax administration leaders. Sulaiman Abdullah, Director of the Administrative Affairs Department at the FTA, was the other individual award winner, coming first in the 'Outstanding Arab Procurement and Contracts Manager' award category. This award recognises individuals with outstanding performance in the public finance departments of Arab government entities, specifically mid-tier tax administration leaders who are responsible for procurement, tendering and contract management processes that are carried out with a high level of excellence and transparency. Following today's announcement, the FTA Director-General said: 'We are proud to win these prestigious awards, especially given the strong competition from many well-established entities with great expertise in public finance – from across the Arab world. 'Through continuous efforts to develop and update our technology infrastructure and human resources, the FTA has shown itself a clear leader across multiple award categories. This reflects our continuous efforts to implement development plans that maintain the highest standards and enhance both leadership and deliver excellence in the tax sector – both regionally and internationally.' His Excellency added, "This milestone is further testament to the FTA's advanced organisational maturity – despite being a relatively new institution. By adopting the concept of innovation as a core pillar for the sustainable growth and efficiency of the UAE's tax system, the FTA demonstrates its commitment to excellence and its growing role as a global leader in the field of tax administration. The Director-General also praised the wider team at the FTA for their ongoing dedication to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, ensuring that the Authority maintains its position as a leading global tax authority that supports financial sustainability in accordance with the highest standards of governance and transparency." The Sharjah Public Finance Award 'Institution Distinguished in Financial Innovation Award' category is presented to a government entity that has developed innovative solutions to enhance financial operations or address challenges encountered by the financial sector. It was noted that the digital system implemented for the refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) to tourists was one of the primary submissions under consideration for this category. The FTA successfully overcame a significant challenge by transitioning from conventional, paper-based procedures for tourist VAT refunds, which were time-consuming and labour-intensive. The FTA's solution was to launch the world's first integrated digital VAT refund system for tourists, which has overcome many procedural and processing obstacles, thereby delivering an exceptional experience for tourists, while supporting the digital transformation and sustainability goals of the UAE government. The VAT refund system also reinforces the UAE's leadership in innovation and smart government services. Launched in 2016, the Sharjah Award in Public Finance, is the first Arab award specialising in government financial excellence. It was initiated by the Sharjah Finance Department in cooperation with the Arab Administrative Development Organisation of the League of Arab States. The of this was to help consolidate a regional culture of excellence, developing administrative ideologies and creating a collective identity of efficiency and excellence among different government entities. The award also aims to encourage the optimal use of financial resources, the implementation of the most effective financial and administrative systems, and the development of government budgets to achieve sustainable development. About FTA The Federal Tax Authority was established by Federal Decree-Law No. (13) of 2016 to help diversify the national economy and increase non-oil revenues in the UAE through the management and collection of federal taxes based on international best practices and standards, as well as to provide all means of support to enable taxpayers to comply with the tax laws and procedures. Since its inception in 2017, the FTA has been committed to cooperate with the competent authorities to establish a comprehensive and balanced system to make the UAE one of the first countries in the world to implement a fully electronic tax system that encourages voluntary compliance, with simple procedures based on the highest standards of transparency and accuracy – beginning from registration, to the submission of tax returns, to the payment of due taxes through the Authority's website:
