Reinforcing its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abu Dhabi University Named Among Top 400 Academic Institutions in Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 25 June 2026: Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has been ranked among the top 301–400 institutions globally in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, out of 1,603 participating universities worldwide. The university also improved its national standing, ranking joint sixth among 12 participating higher education institutions in the UAE, alongside two other higher education institutions. The achievement reflects the university’s continued commitment to embedding sustainability across its education, research, operations, and community engagement efforts, while driving measurable impact across the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ADU recorded improvements across 10 SDGs, with standout performances in SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities ranking 14th globally and first in the UAE, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, obtaining a joint global rank of 76 alongside another university. The university also ranked among the top 301-400 institutions worldwide in SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and among the top 101–200 institutions globally in SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. ADU further advanced 300 places in SDG 4: Quality Education, to rank among the top 101–200 institutions worldwide, alongside notable progress in SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said: “The true measure of a university’s impact extends beyond classrooms and campuses to the value it creates for society. Our performance in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings reflects our long-term commitment to fostering responsible leadership, advancing knowledge, and shaping more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready societies. As sustainability becomes increasingly central to global progress, we remain focused on equipping future generations with the skills, mindset, and sense of purpose needed to address complex challenges and build a more sustainable future.”

The Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings assess universities’ contributions to the United Nations SDGs through indicators spanning education, research, stewardship, outreach, and governance. ADU’s latest performance reinforces its commitment to creating lasting social, economic, and environmental impact through innovation, knowledge transfer, and responsible growth.

ADU continues to translate its sustainability goals into action through research-driven solutions, academic initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration.  In alignment with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Green Agenda 2030, and in support of the university’s Vision 2027, ADU is advancing initiatives in areas including climate science, environmental sustainability, urban sustainability, renewable energies and sustainable agriculture, while fostering partnerships that enable knowledge exchange and innovation.

For more information about Abu Dhabi University, please visit: https://www.adu.ac.ae/

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About Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is one of the region’s leading academic institutions, translating the UAE Government’s National Agenda to deliver internationally accredited academic programs and world-class research.

Established in 2003, with campuses across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai, the University serves over 10,000 students from over 100 nationalities. The University is home to five colleges across different disciplines including arts, education, social sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, and law, while offering a diverse range of over 65 undergraduate and graduate programs.

According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, ADU ranks in the top 250 globally. Additionally, it ranks second in the UAE and 75th globally for its research quality, and it is among the top three universities in the UAE, while holding the number one position in the teaching pillar. Additionally, THE Rankings has recognized the University’s Business and Economics subject area as number one in the UAE and the Arab region.

Abu Dhabi University ranked 91st in the prestigious THE Asia University Rankings 2026 and was ranked third in the UAE for graduate employability as per the 2026 Global Employability University Ranking.

Parallelly, ADU ranks 348 globally, according to the 2027 edition of the QS World University Rankings, advancing 43 places and 5th in the UAE for the second consecutive year.

ADU continues to empower faculty and students with state-of-the-art resources, facilities, and learning opportunities that foster innovation and support research-based problem-solving. The University maintains strong international collaborations with leading academic institutions and public and private sector organizations, with institutional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Senior College and University Commission (WASC).