Oman today_ Sultan Qaboos University has achieved eighth place in the QS Arab Region Rankings 2026. This announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the QS Arab Forum 2025, which was hosted by the university for the first time in Oman, bringing together university presidents, researchers, and higher education experts from across the region.
Her Excellency Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of Oman, highlighted a 175% increase in the number of Omani universities included in the rankings since 2020. She emphasized Oman’s commitment to becoming a regional hub for research and innovation in higher education.
This year, 298 Arab universities were included in the rankings, with 82 universities entering the list for the first time, and among them, four Omani universities appeared on the list for the first time.
The QS Arab Forum focused on educational innovation, teaching quality, international collaboration, scientific research, and academic reputation, while also addressing emerging trends such as hybrid learning and educational technology. The event provided a valuable opportunity for networking, experience exchange, and establishing new partnerships aimed at enhancing the global standing of Arab universities.
Alongside Sultan Qaboos University, Dhofar University and Sohar University also achieved notable progress:
Dhofar University rose 12 places to reach rank 75, reflecting improvements in both education quality and research.
Sohar University climbed 19 places to rank 81 and now holds Oman’s top position in the research quality index.
These achievements demonstrate the growing academic reputation and innovation of Omani universities at the regional level.