In the last 20 years, several new universities have been established in the Arab world. Of these new universities, six universities in five countries stand out. While these up-and-coming universities were only established about 20 years ago, they have already earned spots in the top 50 of the regional rankings.
American University of Sharjah
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 and is now in the top 10 of both the QS and Times Higher Education Arab world rankings. Located in Sharjah, the third largest city in the United Arab Emirates, the university has a strong American liberal arts influence but remains connected to Arab culture. AUS grants bachelor’s and master’s degrees and also offers a PhD in Engineering Systems Management. The university is admired throughout the region for its internationalism. All classes and administrative functions are conducted in English and 77% of the university's almost 6,000 students come from outside the UAE. The multicultural student body represents than 90 countries. Internationalism is reflected in the faculty as well, almost half of whom are Canadian or American citizens.
Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi University was founded in 2003 and is the largest private university in the UAE. The main campus is in Abu Dhabi and the university also has three other campuses throughout the country. The university ranks in the top ten globally for international students and international faculty. 52% of its 7,500 students are from outside of the UAE. The university is organized into five colleges (Arts & Science, Business, Engineering, Law, and Military) and offers over 40 undergraduates programs and 25 master’s programs. While the majority of its programs are in English, Abu Dhabi University offers some programs in Arabic—notably the law program.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate research university that first opened its doors in 2009. Today, KAUST is home to top professors, scientists, engineers and students from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the globe. The campus' 10 research centers focus on finding solutions to problems in areas related to water, food, energy, and the environment. Sustainable development is also a key part of KAUST’s ethos. This emphasis on sustainable practices influences KAUST's research agenda, campus planning, and operations. In 2010 the campus earned a Platinum LEED certification.
Applied Science University of Bahrain
One of the first private universities in Bahrain, Applied Science University (ASU) was founded in 2004. ASU offers 9 undergraduate programs taught in both English and Arabic as well as five master’s programs taught in Arabic. To support its mission of internationalism, ASU has created partnerships with two UK universities: South Bank University and Cardiff Metropolitan University. Students can study in Bahrain and earn an honours degree from one of these universities. In 2013, AUS built a new campus to better accommodate its growing student population.
The Hashemite University
The Hashemite University, names for the Jordanian royal family, was established in 1991 and accepted its first students in 1995. Since then the university has grown and now has 29,000 students enrolled in 53 undergraduate programs and 35 Master’s programs. The university has prioritized renewable energy technology on campus. It generates its electricity from solar panels and has achieved 100% energy independence. The Hashemite University has one of the strongest engineering programs in the Arab world.
Al Akhawayn University Ifrane
Al Akhawayn University Ifrane was founded in 1993 to educate the future leaders of Morocco and the world. It is modelled on an American liberal arts college which is reflected in its curriculum, small class size, and residential component. Most of the university’s 2,000 students live on campus. Classes are taught in English and the university’s library is one of the best sources of English language material in Morocco. The university's focus has traditionally been on providing quality teaching, but it is now putting a greater emphasis on research.