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Arabian Business
11 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
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Is India's extreme heat impacting pregnancies?
With the blistering temperatures that most of India is suffering under, it should come as no surprise that May 2025 was the second-warmest month of May since records began. But what is of greater concern now, is how this heat is going to affect our future generations -- a new study has found that India recorded an average of six additional days of dangerously high temperatures for pregnant women every year over the last five years. What is this extreme heat doing the bodies of mothers to be? How does heat affect pregnancy outcomes? What will it mean for the near future, as India continues to experience heat waves? Guest: Prof Jane Hirst Chair in Global Women's Health, The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London and Visiting Professor in Global Women's Health, University of Oxford Host: Zubeda Hamid Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Listen to more In Focus podcasts:
The Independent
15 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Climate change blamed for UK heatwave amid 32C temperatures
Searing temperatures of 32C hitting the UK this week have been made 100 times more likely due to human-caused climate change, scientists have warned. A rapid study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) research group found the current heatwave in the south-east of England was around 10 times more likely than without human activity warming the planet. Dr Fredi Otto, from Imperial College London, underscored the severity, warning that heatwaves are "silent killers" and that the impacts of heat are "severely underestimated", leaving the UK unprepared for the conditions expected to persist into the weekend. Experts highlighted that older people, along with those suffering from heart issues, respiratory illnesses, and conditions such as diabetes, face the highest risk of death. They also noted that heatwaves occurring earlier in the summer are particularly deadly, as the population is less acclimatised to coping with warmer conditions. The researchers also identified wildfires as an "emerging risk" for the UK during summer, with conditions increasingly resembling those found in southern Europe. They urged the public to exercise extreme caution with barbecues, cigarettes, and glass, all of which can ignite fires in the hot, dry weather. This study marks only the second time the WWA, known for its rapid assessments of climate change's role in specific extreme weather events, has analysed a forecasted event rather than one that has already occurred. The analysis, which drew on observations for early summer heat in the south east of the UK, found that a heatwave – defined as three days of temperatures above 28C for the region – in June would be expected once every five years today. But without humans warming the atmosphere by around 1.3C since pre-industrial times, such a heatwave would only have occurred about once every 50 years, the study shows. The heatwave was made approximately 2-4C more intense as a result of the overall warming of the planet, meaning the current weather 'just wouldn't have been a heatwave without human-induced warming', Dr Ben Clarke, from Imperial College London, said. Temperatures had been forecast to hit 32C across the south east on Saturday and had already reached that level on Thursday in London. Heat of that level could be expected in June once in 25 years in the current climate, but only once in 2,500 years in June before industrialisation, the researchers said. While the impacts of temperatures rising above 30C are not as severe as the record-breaking heat topping 40C in some places in July 2022, the researchers warned people were still at risk. They urged people to ensure they were drinking enough water, and to encourage elderly relatives to do the same, avoid areas with high air pollution, keep windows and curtains shut during the day, and consider going to cooler public buildings such as museums to protect against the heat. Dr Clarke, researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, said: 'This heatwave is another reminder that our planet has already heated to a dangerous level. 'We're at 1.3C today, but heading for around 3C this century. 'With every fraction of a degree of warming, the UK will experience hotter, more dangerous heatwaves. 'That means more heat deaths, more pressure on the NHS, more transport disruptions, tougher work conditions and poorer air quality.' Dr Otto, associate professor in climate science at the Centre for Environmental Policy, said: 'We know exactly what has intensified this heatwave – burning oil, gas and coal, which has loaded the atmosphere with planet-heating greenhouse gases. 'It is totally insane we have political leaders in the UK trying to drag us back to the past with calls for more fossil fuels. 'The climate will continue to drive increasingly dangerous heatwaves, fires and floods in the UK until emissions are reduced to net zero globally.' She added that while people working in air-conditioned offices would 'probably be OK' this week, poorer people working outdoors, in kitchens or other hot environments and then returning home to poorly insulated flats would be enduring hot conditions throughout. 'Making our societies more equal is essential to reduce the impacts of climate change,' Dr Otto said.
Time Out
16 hours ago
- Science
- Time Out
This Melbourne university has been named in the top 20 best in the world for 2026, beating out Yale and Princeton
When you think of the most prestigious universities in the world, the first to come to mind will probably be names from the other side of the globe. But there's one university right here in our city that is just as esteemed as the likes of Yale or Princeton. In fact, in a new global list of the world's best university, our very own University of Melbourne outranked both of those well-known institutions. Feel that city pride! The prestigious QS World University Rankings for 2026 have just dropped, revealing which institutions stand in the best stead for the year ahead. Two Australian universities cracked the top 20 for yet another year, out of more than 1,500 institutions from around the world assessed for the 2026 rankings, including 36 from Australia. The top five were pretty similar to last year, with MIT holding onto first place with a perfect score of 100, followed by Imperial College London, Stanford, Harvard and Cambridge. Australia's highest-ranked institution was the University of Melbourne, which landed 19th on the global list. While it slipped six spots from placing 13th in 2025, its overall score actually rose 1.9 points to 90.8 – thanks to improved ratings in seven of the nine ranking indicators. The uni earned a near-perfect 99.7 for academic reputation (the highest in Australia) and also ranked first in the country for employer reputation and sustainability. This university is consistently praised as the best in the country, and was also named as one of the top ten most sustainable universities worldwide last year. Just one position behind was the University of New South Wales (UNSW), which held onto its place among the top 20 universities in the world for the third consecutive year. Its overall score of 90.7 saw it drop one position from 19th in 2025, but it maintained impressive ratings for academic reputation (96.3) and ranked equal 12th in the world for sustainability. Of the 36 Australian institutions assessed, UNSW placed first in the employment outcome and international research network categories. Overall, two-thirds of Australia's ranked universities dropped in this year's rankings. Meanwhile, only seven climbed higher, including Monash University's jump from 37th to 36th. The University of Sydney slipped out of the top 20, landing at 25th, with the Australian National University and the University of Queensland also dropping two spots to 32nd and 42nd, respectively. Despite the overall decline, we think it's still pretty impressive that one of our city's universities made the top 20 worldwide. You can check out the full rankings here. Here are the 20 best universities in the world Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA Imperial College London, UK Stanford University, USA University of Oxford, UK Harvard University, USA University of Cambridge, UK ETH Zurich, Switzerland National University of Singapore, Singapore University College London, UK California Institute of Technology, USA The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Nanyang Technological University, Singapore University of Chicago, USA Peking University, China University of Pennsylvania, USA Cornell University, USA Tsinghua University, China University of California, Berkeley, USA University of Melbourne, Australia University of New South Wales, Australia Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Searing heat this week made ‘100 times more likely' by climate change
Searing temperatures of 32C this week have been made 100 times more likely because of human-caused climate change, scientists said. A rapid study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) research group also found the current heatwave in the south-east of England was around 10 times more likely than without human activity warming the planet. Dr Fredi Otto, from Imperial College London, warned heatwaves are 'silent killers', with the impacts of heat 'severely underestimated' and the UK unprepared for the kind of conditions hitting the country into the weekend. Older people are at the highest risk of death, as well as those with heart issues, respiratory illnesses and conditions such as diabetes, while this kind of heatwave earlier in the summer is more deadly as people are less acclimatised to coping with the warmer conditions, the experts warned. And wildfires are an 'emerging risk' in the summer in the UK, with conditions becoming more like southern Europe, the researchers said as they urged people to be very careful about barbecues, cigarettes and glass which can all ignite fires in the hot, dry weather. The study by WWA, which seeks to provide rapid assessments of the role of climate change in specific extreme weather events such as heatwaves or rainstorms that lead to flooding, is only the second time it has analysed an event as forecasted rather than one that has just happened. The analysis, which drew on observations for early summer heat in the south east of the UK, found that a heatwave – defined as three days of temperatures above 28C for the region – in June would be expected once every five years today. But without humans warming the atmosphere by around 1.3C since pre-industrial times, such a heatwave would only have occurred about once every 50 years, the study shows. The heatwave was made approximately 2-4C more intense as a result of the overall warming of the planet, meaning the current weather 'just wouldn't have been a heatwave without human-induced warming', Dr Ben Clarke, from Imperial College London, said. Temperatures had been forecast to hit 32C across the south east on Saturday and had already reached that level on Thursday in London. Heat of that level could be expected in June once in 25 years in the current climate, but only once in 2,500 years in June before industrialisation, the researchers said. While the impacts of temperatures rising above 30C are not as severe as the record-breaking heat topping 40C in some places in July 2022, the researchers warned people were still at risk. They urged people to ensure they were drinking enough water, and to encourage elderly relatives to do the same, avoid areas with high air pollution, keep windows and curtains shut during the day, and consider going to cooler public buildings such as museums to protect against the heat. Dr Clarke, researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, said: 'This heatwave is another reminder that our planet has already heated to a dangerous level. 'We're at 1.3C today, but heading for around 3C this century. 'With every fraction of a degree of warming, the UK will experience hotter, more dangerous heatwaves. 'That means more heat deaths, more pressure on the NHS, more transport disruptions, tougher work conditions and poorer air quality.' Dr Otto, associate professor in climate science at the Centre for Environmental Policy, said: 'We know exactly what has intensified this heatwave – burning oil, gas and coal, which has loaded the atmosphere with planet-heating greenhouse gases. 'It is totally insane we have political leaders in the UK trying to drag us back to the past with calls for more fossil fuels. 'The climate will continue to drive increasingly dangerous heatwaves, fires and floods in the UK until emissions are reduced to net zero globally.' She added that while people working in air conditioned offices would 'probably be OK' this week, poorer people working outdoors, in kitchens or other hot environments and then returning home to poorly insulated flats would be enduring hot conditions throughout. 'Making our societies more equal is essential to reduce the impacts of climate change,' Dr Otto said.
