King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has been ranked No. 1 in the Times Higher Education (THE) Arab University Rankings 2025, marking its third consecutive year at the top. This global recognition reinforces KAUST’s position as the leading research university in the Arab world and reflects the Kingdom’s continued global leadership in science, technology, and innovation. 

The announcement was made today at the THE Arab Universities Summit 2025 in Jordan, a gathering of higher education leaders, policymakers, and industry partners. This recognition underscores KAUST’s position as one of the region’s best-performing universities across teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook. 

Sir Edward Byrne AC, KAUST President, said: “Achieving the number one position for the third consecutive year is a remarkable recognition of KAUST’s consistent excellence. This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty, students, staff, and partners, and highlights the exceptional contributions KAUST is making toward the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. This sustained leadership demonstrates the increasing global competitiveness of Saudi Arabia in research, innovation, and advanced education.” 

The 2025 edition of the rankings was conducted using a comprehensive framework specifically designed for the region. It evaluated universities across 20 key indicators, including global citation impact, teaching environment, industry collaboration, and international research partnerships. KAUST’s consistent excellence in these areas is reflected in its top rankings for 2023, 2024, and 2025, demonstrating the institution’s sustained momentum and commitment to maintaining high standards in leadership, research, and education.  

Research excellence with proven national and global impact 

KAUST’s world-class research environment generates solutions that address critical global challenges in sustainability, health, water, food and agriculture, and clean energy. KAUST is actively contributing to the global academic community, with 16 of its faculty named on the 2025 Clarivate highly cited list. New and existing collaborations, paired with KAUST’s advanced research infrastructure, supports the translation of research discoveries to industry, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) priorities. 

KAUST’s success is driven by a diverse and highly skilled community dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and delivering meaningful impact. Through hands-on learning and expert mentorship, the University provides students with the skills and experiences needed to excel at the frontiers of science and technology. This talent strength continues to attract leading researchers, strategic industry partners, and top-tier academic collaborators from around the world. 

Rooted in the Kingdom’s ambition and aligned with Vision 2030, KAUST plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s knowledge economy. The University’s achievements elevate national capability, build global partnerships, and project Saudi leadership on the world stage.