Sultan Bin Ahmed Commends University Of Sharjah For Achieving 26th Place In Global Rankings

The University of Sharjah (UoS) has achieved a significant milestone by securing the 26th position globally in the Times Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026. It also ranked 4th in the Arab world and 1st among UAE universities. This recognition highlights the University's excellence in multidisciplinary research, marking its first participation in this prestigious global ranking.

H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of UoS, expressed his admiration for this achievement. He noted that it reflects the educational progress within Sharjah, especially in higher education. The ranking underscores the University's dedication to advancing its development and providing necessary resources for continued excellence in education and research.

This accomplishment is a historic leap for higher education in the UAE, as UoS becomes the first Emirati university to achieve such a high ranking in a specialised global assessment. The Times Interdisciplinary Science Rankings evaluates universities' contributions to solving complex global issues like climate change and digital transformation through multidisciplinary research.

The University's success is attributed to its ambitious academic and research strategy, which serves as a roadmap for becoming a global leader in research and innovation. This strategy has led to numerous achievements at local, regional, and international levels, showcasing UoS's commitment to interdisciplinary scientific research.

UoS has invested significantly in building an integrated research ecosystem over recent years. This includes developing advanced infrastructure, attracting top researchers worldwide, and establishing three specialised research institutes with 86 research groups. These efforts promote collaboration across various scientific fields.

The Times Interdisciplinary Science Rankings is unique as it measures universities' performance specifically in multidisciplinary scientific research. In its 2026 edition, nearly 1,300 universities participated, with 911 meeting the criteria for inclusion. The ranking employs a rigorous methodology focusing on inputs, processes, and outputs related to research performance.

Methodology Behind the Rankings

The methodology used by the rankings involves three main pillars: inputs (research funding), processes (research infrastructure), and outputs (quality of publications). It uses 11 detailed indicators to assess funding levels, infrastructure quality, and the global impact of scientific output through citations across disciplines.

This achievement by UoS stands as evidence of its strategic focus on becoming a leading institution in scientific research. The University's efforts have paved the way for significant accomplishments locally and globally while reinforcing its role as an educational leader committed to addressing global challenges through innovative solutions.

With inputs from WAM