In a significant milestone for the UAE’s higher education sector, ten universities from the Emirates have been ranked among the Arab region’s best for sustainability and social impact, according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability.
Leading the charge is the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), which secured the 343rd position globally, marking a strong performance among its regional peers.
The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability assess universities’ commitment to sustainability across three core areas: environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance.
These rankings aim to shed light on how academic institutions are taking meaningful action to tackle global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and governance practices. This year, 1744 universities from 107 countries were evaluated, with a total of ten UAE universities recognized for their contributions in sustainability and social impact.
UAE Universities’ Sustainability Scores Reflect Strong Social Commitment
The UAE’s universities have been commended for their strong focus on ‘equality,’ with UAE institutions boasting the region’s highest average score in this category.
This suggests a growing commitment to diversity on campuses and the provision of robust support for both students and staff. Institutions in the UAE have increasingly been focused on creating inclusive environments where people from diverse backgrounds can thrive.
UAEU, in particular, has been recognized not only for its performance in equality but also for its efforts to create a sustainable future through impactful environmental initiatives.
The institution has consistently worked towards reducing its carbon footprint, supporting green technology research, and offering programs that promote sustainability within the curriculum.
The rankings evaluate universities through nine lenses, ranging from ‘knowledge exchange’ and ‘impact of education’ to ‘environmental sustainability’ and ‘health and wellbeing.’
UAE universities have performed notably well in these categories, with institutions such as the American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Khalifa University receiving accolades for their efforts in fostering educational practices that focus on environmental sustainability.
Regional Competition and Achievements
While UAE universities excel, other regional institutions have also made their mark in the QS sustainability rankings. The American University of Beirut (AUB) has emerged as the regional leader in four of the nine sustainability lenses.
AUB’s standout performances in the categories of ‘knowledge exchange’ and ‘environmental sustainability’ have placed it among the top global players.
Ranked 77th in knowledge exchange and 58th in environmental sustainability, AUB continues to leverage its position as a hub for research and collaboration aimed at addressing global challenges.
Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz University (KAU), the second-highest ranked university in the Arab region, has secured the 207th global position in sustainability.
The institution has earned regional recognition for its robust research programs in environmental science and its significant contributions to improving sustainability practices across the kingdom.
Moreover, KAU boasts the highest score in the region for ‘employability and outcomes,’ placing 138th globally in this category, highlighting its commitment to providing students with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly complex global job market.
Egypt’s Cairo University, known for its focus on environmental research, has performed exceptionally well in the ‘environmental education’ lens.
Ranked 98th globally in this category, Cairo University is driving forward with programs aimed at addressing environmental concerns such as climate change, pollution, and marine conservation.
Qatar University, another key player in the region’s educational landscape, has earned recognition as the Arab region’s third-highest ranked institution.
The university is particularly noted for its efforts to enhance ‘health and wellbeing,’ a category in which it is the regional leader. With a rank of 236th globally in this lens, Qatar University continues to provide students and staff with excellent quality of life on campus.
Furthermore, it has garnered attention for its leadership in governance, ranking 153rd globally.
The Importance of Sustainability to Students
As environmental awareness grows among students, sustainability has become a key factor in their university selection process.
According to the 2024 QS International Student Survey, 62 percent of prospective students consider sustainability practices to be “very important,” while 40 percent actively seek out information on how universities are addressing sustainability when making their decisions.
Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, highlighted the growing importance of sustainability in higher education. “The QS Sustainability Rankings support the higher education sector’s transition to sustainable practices by promoting transparency, impactful research, equality, and climate mitigation,” she said.
“By assessing institutions across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) categories, the rankings catalyze ideas, actions, and engagement, fostering positive change in higher education.”
The global shift towards sustainability has not only been driven by governmental and institutional actions but also by a rising demand from students. As young people become more environmentally conscious and socially aware, their desire to study at institutions that align with their values has grown stronger. This trend underscores the importance of universities adopting sustainable practices not only in their operations but also in their research, curriculum, and campus culture.
UAE’s Role in Promoting Sustainability
The UAE has positioned itself as a global leader in sustainability and innovation. The country’s universities are at the forefront of this movement, contributing to both local and global sustainability goals.
The emphasis on clean energy, environmental protection, and social responsibility is reflected in the education offered by UAE universities, which are increasingly incorporating sustainability into their academic programs and research initiatives.
UAE institutions have also invested heavily in developing green infrastructure on campuses, including solar power systems, water conservation initiatives, and waste reduction strategies.
These efforts not only help universities reduce their environmental impact but also serve as learning opportunities for students who will go on to tackle global sustainability challenges in their careers.
In addition to environmental sustainability, UAE universities are also committed to social sustainability, focusing on initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Many universities in the UAE have introduced scholarships, programs, and support networks designed to help underrepresented groups access higher education.
This focus on equality is key to ensuring that the benefits of sustainability reach all members of society, particularly those from marginalized communities.
A Bright Future for Sustainable Higher Education in the UAE
As the UAE continues to place sustainability at the heart of its educational strategy, its universities are poised to play a leading role in shaping a more sustainable future for the region and beyond.
By excelling in areas such as environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance, these institutions are setting a strong example for other universities worldwide.
The growing prominence of sustainability in higher education is not just a trend but a crucial step in addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues.
With students, educators, and policymakers working together, universities in the UAE are playing a critical role in creating positive social change and building a sustainable future for generations to come.
As the global rankings highlight, the UAE’s universities are not only competing on an international scale but are also leading the way in sustainability practices, setting the standard for the rest of the Arab region and the world.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members