Top Arab Universities in Research Impact

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The ‘Manhom’ list of the Top Arab Universities in Research Impact, which features 50 institutions ranked by their research and academic influence based on the adopted methodology, marks an important shift in how Arab universities are assessed. The evaluation, developed by the ‘Manhom’ team in collaboration with SciCommX, did not stop at measuring pure academic output, but also included the societal impact of this output through a data-driven framework. This approach strengthens universities’ ability to connect scientific production with the needs of society and the economy, which is a fundamental step in building a sustainable knowledge economy in the region.

Overall evaluation
The final ranking of Arab universities, when combining societal impact with academic and media presence in research performance, provides a more comprehensive picture of the position of educational institutions in the region. 

At the top are Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Qatar University (86 points), thanks to their ability to combine research excellence with effective community engagement, making them central hubs for knowledge production and application in national development. Also ranking in the top ten are the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the Lebanese American University (LAU), reflecting their strong community impact and academic reputation regionally and internationally. Saudi Arabia’s major universities, such as King Abdulaziz University and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), maintained a strong presence, underlining the Kingdom’s continued investment in higher education and research.

Interestingly, emerging or private universities such as Ajman University, Applied Science Private University (Jordan), and Amman Al-Ahliyya University also appeared in the top 25, indicating that visibility and community engagement have become real levers for enhancing institutional performance.

Key observations
Some universities excel in research but lag in societal impact, which reflects their focus on globally oriented advanced sciences rather than local needs. Conversely, institutions such as Qatar University, University of Sharjah, and AUB demonstrate a notable balance between research output and community engagement.

Egyptian and Jordanian universities stand out more in community-related indicators due to their deep social integration, even if they do not always compete at the highest global research levels.

If research performance provides global scientific credibility, societal impact determines how valuable that credibility is in serving community and economic development. The universities that succeed in combining both dimensions will shape the future of Arab higher education and strengthen a balanced knowledge economy.
 

Countries hosting the ranked universities
Saudi Arabia leads with 18 universities (36%), reflecting major investments in research and innovation under Vision 2030. Standout institutions include King Abdulaziz University, KAUST, and King Saud University, alongside emerging universities boosting their research presence.

The UAE ranks second with 9 universities (18%), led by Khalifa University, University of Sharjah, and UAE University—confirming the country’s success in building research-driven institutions linked to national development and the digital economy.

Egypt follows in third with 8 universities (16%), spearheaded by Ain Shams, Mansoura, and Alexandria universities, which remain traditional hubs of Arab scientific production.

Jordan ranks fourth with 6 universities, followed by Lebanon (2), Kuwait (2), and Bahrain (2), underlining these institutions’ role in producing research directly tied to societal issues.

Strategic implications
Saudi and Emirati research centers are now competing globally, driven by substantial funding and supportive national policies. Despite economic and political challenges, Egyptian, Jordanian, and Lebanese universities show strong resilience through international academic partnerships.

The list also reflects a shift in focus: From research quantity to research impact, aligned with regional development priorities. Notably, the ranking is more than just an academic classification; it charts a new map of Arab scientific research, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, supported by significant investment, and strengthened by active contributions from Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, and Egypt. Today, the key metric is no longer only the number of publications but the extent to which universities translate knowledge into tangible societal and economic benefits.

10 key lessons
Ten fundamental lessons emerge from the list  of Top Arab Universities in Research Impact:

1. Strong research output is vital, but without accessibility and dissemination, its impact remains limited.
2. Citations in policy documents highlight universities’ ability to influence decision-making and strategies, reflecting real-world impact.
3. Engagement with broader audiences shows universities see themselves as part of society, not just academic institutions.
4. Open-access practices and publishing in regional languages boost local and regional impact.
5. Collaboration with the media enhances public understanding of science and raises institutional credibility.
6. Societal impact grows when universities make research findings understandable and relatable to non-specialists.
7. Balancing global standing with local relevance allows universities to contribute internationally while directly serving their communities.
8. Community engagement is no longer secondary. It is now a core indicator of excellence in research.
9. Universities that invest in communication skills for faculty and students prepare a new generation of researchers capable of connecting knowledge to people’s lives.
10. Rankings spotlight performance, but the true measure lies in how research enriches debates, policies, and opportunities within society.