Best universities in the UAE 2027
What is the top university in the UAE? This list reveals the best universities and colleges in the UAE, according to the trusted THE Arab University Rankings 2027.
Universities across the UAE are scored in areas such as teaching, research and international outlook.
It uses a robust methodology, created by the in-house data team, that is relied upon by students, academics, policymakers and industry leaders worldwide.
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Top universities in the UAE 2027
| UAE Rank 2027 | Arab University Rank 2027 | University | Overall | Teaching | Research Environment | Research Quality | Industry | International Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | Khalifa University | 58.8 | 36.5 | 32 | 93.5 | 93.3 | 93.4 |
| 2 | 7 | United Arab Emirates University | 58.2 | 29.6 | 39.1 | 94.2 | 87.4 | 84.5 |
| 3 | 10 | The British University in Dubai | 54.4 | 39.3 | 24.7 | 93.1 | 24.9 | 89.3 |
| 4 | 11 | University of Sharjah | 53.8 | 26.4 | 28.6 | 94.4 | 51.6 | 98.1 |
| 5 | 12 | Abu Dhabi University | 53.4 | 33.6 | 28.8 | 88.7 | 31.1 | 96.7 |
| 6 | 21 | Ajman University | 50.1 | 25.7 | 28.4 | 86.1 | 26.6 | 99.3 |
| 7 | 22 | Al Ain University | 50 | 26.3 | 28.8 | 85.4 | 21.5 | 98.5 |
| 8 | 25 | American University of Sharjah | 48.2 | 23.4 | 29.3 | 81.9 | 43.9 | 86.7 |
| 9 | 26 | Zayed University | 47.7 | 21 | 22.3 | 90.1 | 61.9 | 74 |
| 10 | 29 | University of Dubai | 46.4 | 24.3 | 24.5 | 80.6 | 21.8 | 94.9 |
| =11 | ​=41 | American University in the Emirates (AUE) | 43 | 15.5 | 22.3 | 78.9 | 27.1 | 96.8 |
| =11 | ​=41 | Rabdan Academy | 43 | 26.8 | 19 | 76.8 | 25.6 | 73.5 |
| 13 | 70 | Liwa University | 37.8 | 14.5 | 17.7 | 68 | 21.7 | 95.4 |
| 14 | 88 | Gulf Medical University | 35 | 20 | 17.7 | 52.5 | 19.4 | 99.4 |
| 15 | ​=91 | RAK Medical and Health Sciences University | 34.7 | 21.2 | 18 | 49.3 | 25.8 | 99 |
| 16 | 99 | American University of Ras Al Khaimah | 33.4 | 23.9 | 18.2 | 43.9 | 17.4 | 96.5 |
Key Insights from the UAE University Ranking 2027
- Some 16 universities are included in the UAE University Ranking 2027.
- Khalifa University takes the number one position in the UAE.
- The UAE University Ranking is taken from data collected for the Times Higher Education Arab University Ranking 2027.
- The Arab University Ranking shines a spotlight on universities in the Arab World including Saudia Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Qatar among others.Â
Choosing a university in the UAE
International students can choose from a range of universities in the UAE, many of which have benefitted from significant investment in recent years. Many universities offer lower tuition fees, generous financial aid and the opportunity for students to stay and work there after graduation. There are also less restrictions on working on an international student visa.Â
The table for the best universities in the UAE was derived from data collected for the THE Arab University Rankings. The results are calculated using 17 performance indicators underlying five metrics: research environment, teaching (the learning environment), research quality, industry, and international outlook. For further insight and a detailed breakdown of our ranking methodology, visit our methodology page. Use the UAE university ranking table above to explore the right institution for you.
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