Best Universities in the Arab World [Updated 2023]
Education is a critical building block for the development of any society, helping to create an educated and creative workforce. For this reason, it is important that students receive access to quality universities in order to get the best possible education. In the Arab world, there are numerous great universities that offer students the opportunity to further their studies and develop intellectually.
These top universities provide both undergraduate and graduate courses with degrees ranging from business management to engineering or medicine – so whatever field you want to pursue your degree in; there’s almost certainly an ideal place for you in one of these prestigious institutions! We’ve done our research and compiled a comprehensive list of some of the best universities in this region – let’s take a look at what each has to offer!
Best Universities in the Arab World
There are a number of excellent universities in the Arab world, each with its own unique strengths and specialties:
- King Abdul Aziz University
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
- King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
- Kuwait University
- Qatar University
- Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
- United Arab Emirates University
- University of Sharjah
- King Saud University
- Zewail City of Science and Technology
- University of Jordan
- American University of Beirut
- American University in Cairo (AUC)
King Abdul Aziz University
King Abdul Aziz University is located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and was established in 1967. It is the largest university in the region, with over 117,096 students enrolled across its different faculties. It offers a wide range of degrees in disciplines such as engineering, medicine, law, and business. It also has a highly active research center, which works closely with leading organizations like Microsoft and IBM.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a research-oriented university that was founded in 2009 in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. KAUST has quickly become one of the top universities in the Arab world, offering graduate and undergraduate degrees in engineering, science, and math. It also houses a number of research laboratories for students to engage in advanced projects.
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
Located in Saudi Arabia, KFUPM is highly regarded for its programs in engineering, business, and computer science. It consistently ranks among the top universities in the Arab world.
Kuwait University
Kuwait University is one of the oldest and largest universities in Kuwait, offering a wide range of academic programs across multiple disciplines. It is known for its strong emphasis on research and has contributed significantly to the development of various fields in the country.
Qatar University
Qatar University – Located in Doha, Qatar University is a leading institution in the region known for its strong programs in engineering, business, humanities, and social sciences. It has been consistently ranked among the top universities in the Arab world.
Qatar University, established in 1973, is the oldest university in Qatar and one of the most prestigious in the region. It offers an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including courses in engineering, medicine, business, law, and more. It also has a number of research centers and laboratories, making it an ideal place for students to conduct their studies and embark on groundbreaking projects.
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University is a private university located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Established in 2006, it offered programs ranging from business and engineering to interior design. The university has a strong focus on research and is home to several research centers that conduct projects in the fields of chemistry, biology, and more.
United Arab Emirates University
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is one of the oldest universities in the Arab World, having been established in 1976. It currently offers more than 90 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its various faculties and colleges. It is renowned for its research and innovation, with students engaging in groundbreaking projects every year.
University of Sharjah
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the American University of Sharjah is a prominent institution known for its high-quality education and multicultural environment. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as engineering, architecture, business, and humanities.
The University of Sharjah is a public university located in the United Arab Emirates. It was established in 1997 and has since grown to become one of the leading universities in the region. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in disciplines such as business, engineering, arts, and more. The university also has several research centers and laboratories that conduct projects in areas like robotics, artificial intelligence, and more.
King Saud University
King Saud University (KSU) is a public university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the oldest universities in the region, having been established in 1957. KSU has a wide range of faculties and colleges, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in disciplines such as business, engineering, sciences, and more. It also has several research centers and laboratories, making it an ideal place for students to engage in advanced projects.
Zewail City of Science and Technology
The Zewail City of Science and Technology is a research-oriented university located in Egypt. Founded in 2011, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields, including engineering, science, and math. It also houses numerous research centers and laboratories that focus on projects related to nanotechnology, robotics, and more. It is one of the most innovative universities in the region, making it an ideal place for students who are looking to engage in groundbreaking projects.
University of Jordan
As the oldest public university in Jordan, the University of Jordan is highly respected for its comprehensive academic programs and research activities. It offers a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, medicine, humanities, and social sciences.
The University of Jordan is a public university located in Amman, Jordan. It was established in 1962 and is one of the oldest universities in the Middle East. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including courses in business, engineering, sciences, and more. The university is renowned for its research and innovation, with several dedicated research centers that conduct projects in fields like genetics, robotics, and more.
American University of Beirut
The American University of Beirut (AUB) is a private university located in Beirut, Lebanon. It was established in 1866 and is one of the oldest universities in the region. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees in disciplines such as business, engineering, sciences, and more. AUB strongly focuses on research, with several dedicated centers conducting projects in areas like nanotechnology, biomedicine, and more.
These are just some of the universities in the Middle East that offer world-class education and groundbreaking research projects. Whether you’re looking for a place to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies or you’re looking for a place to conduct research, these universities have something to offer.
American University in Cairo (AUC)
AUC, located in Egypt, is recognized for its high-quality education and diverse academic offerings. It has a strong reputation in fields like business, economics, and humanities.
Bottom Line
With so many excellent universities in the Middle East, choosing which one is right for you can take time. Each university offers something unique and has its own strengths in research and innovation. Consider the universities listed here, as well as any others that may be available to you in this region, and make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each one before making your decision.