In a development that reflects a significant transformation in Yemen’s higher education landscape, Hadhramout University has firmly established its position on the map of Arab academic excellence after securing second place among Yemeni universities in the QS Arab Region University Rankings 2027, published by the prestigious global higher education analytics organization Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).
This achievement further strengthens the University’s standing among national and Arab higher education institutions and confirms its continued presence in the ranking for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its growing reputation as one of Yemen’s leading academic and research institutions.
Adding a new dimension to its success, Hadhramout University recorded a 25.7% increase in its overall score, demonstrating that its achievement extends beyond sustained participation to measurable and substantial progress in performance and evaluation outcomes.
The ranking results revealed notable improvements across six major assessment categories, including the academic environment, research impact, digital presence, and international engagement, reflecting comprehensive institutional development across multiple dimensions of university performance.
This accomplishment is the culmination of sustained efforts by the University’s leadership and academic community, which have significantly enhanced the institution’s regional and international visibility.
The University’s advancement has received widespread recognition from academic communities across the Arab world and beyond. Congratulatory messages poured in from distinguished scholars and academic leaders from various countries, praising an achievement that places Hadhramout University among the region’s increasingly prominent higher education institutions.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ahmadi, Cultural Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in Beijing, congratulated the University President and all members of the University community. He described the achievement as the result of sustained institutional efforts and highlighted the inclusion of three Hadhramout University researchers among the world’s top 2% scientists for 2026, according to the Stanford University and Elsevier ranking, as another significant milestone in the University’s scientific journey.
Dr. Bashir Abbas Samaha, General Advisor to the Union of Arab and Russian University Presidents in the Russian Federation, described the achievement as “steady steps translating an ambitious vision.” He noted that improvements across the six QS indicators reflect the quality of education, research excellence, community engagement, and the University’s ability to leverage international partnerships.
He emphasized that such progress is the product of the dedicated efforts of the University’s leadership, faculty members, administrators, and students.
Growing International Recognition
Congratulatory messages also arrived from universities and scholars across Asia, Europe, and Australia.
Dr. Lo Kah Ho from the University of Technology Brunei described the achievement as evidence of the University’s continuous progress toward academic excellence and expressed hope that it would open new opportunities for international collaboration and joint research initiatives.
Similarly, Dr. Nora Yasma Binti Mohammed Yusuf of Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Malaysia) noted that the accomplishment represents a proud moment for the University and demonstrates its commitment to strengthening academic standards, enhancing research capabilities, and expanding its international presence.
Prof. Mudrik Al-Aydrus of Mercu Buana University, Indonesia, expressed optimism that the achievement would foster stronger academic partnerships, facilitate scientific knowledge exchange, and stimulate impactful research initiatives.
Arab Appreciation for Excellence
Across the Arab world, the University’s achievement received broad acclaim from leading academics and educational figures.
Prof. Ayman Ahmed Al-Arabi, Professor of Art Education and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Early Childhood Education at Sadat City University, Egypt, congratulated the University on maintaining its distinguished presence in the rankings for a third consecutive year. He described the accomplishment as the outcome of sustained efforts to enhance academic and research performance and consolidate the University’s position within the Arab higher education system.
Likewise, Prof. Gamalat Mostafa Abdelghani, Professor of Community Health Nursing at Zagazig University, Egypt, expressed her admiration for what she described as a distinguished academic achievement reflecting an ambitious vision and exceptional institutional efforts.
Recognition Beyond Academia
The recognition extended beyond academic circles to include cultural and community leaders.
Ahmed Abu El-Ala, Chairman of the Arab United Foundation and the Egyptian Book Distribution Company, congratulated the University’s administration, faculty, and students, describing the achievement as the product of dedication and hard work aimed at advancing education and aligning it with societal and developmental needs.
He emphasized that the accomplishment is “not merely a number in a global ranking, but an international acknowledgment of sustained efforts and a wise vision that has positioned Yemeni higher education among distinguished Arab universities.”
In addition, Dr. Waheeb Mahdi Azeiban, Dean of the Faculty of Media at the University of Aden, praised the achievement as a reflection of visionary leadership and persistent efforts in advancing education and scientific research while strengthening the University’s growing status in international higher education.
A Living Academic Experience
Providing a firsthand perspective on the University’s institutional excellence, Dr. Khuzaym Al-Khalidi from the Faculty of Media at Yarmouk University, Jordan, shared his experience with Hadhramout University.
He recalled participating remotely in an international symposium on digital journalism at the invitation of his colleague Dr. Adeeb Al-Shatari, noting the high level of organization, professionalism, and academic engagement demonstrated throughout the event.
According to Dr. Al-Khalidi, this experience provided valuable insight into the University’s academic and research culture and reflected the effectiveness of its leadership and commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and scientific research.
Additional International Congratulations
Further messages of congratulations were received from academic leaders worldwide, including:
- Siti Sarah Binti Haji Ahmad, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (Brunei), who described the University’s inclusion in the QS rankings as an inspiring milestone that strengthens its international academic standing.
- Prof. Eng. Muzammil Jusoh, Director of the Centre for Industry and Government Collaboration at Universiti Malaysia Perlis (Malaysia), who praised the achievement as evidence of the University’s dedication to excellence in higher education, research, and international cooperation.
- Dr. Syed Mazhar Abbas from Macquarie University (Australia), who characterized the ranking as a commendable accomplishment representing continued progress toward greater academic excellence and global recognition.
- Qamar J. Abbasi from the University of Glasgow (United Kingdom), who described the ranking as a significant milestone reflecting the University’s growing prominence within the global higher education landscape.
- Dr. Haji Abang Hazmin bin Haji Abang Tah, Senior Assistant Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Services at Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (Brunei), who praised the achievement as a source of pride and a testament to the importance of scientific research, innovation, and academic collaboration.
- Dr. Munir Abdul Muin from Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University, Bandung (Indonesia), who noted that the accomplishment celebrates the University’s academic progress while opening new avenues for international partnerships and research collaboration.
Looking Ahead
The broad recognition from both Arab and international academic communities underscores the fact that Hadhramout University is advancing steadily toward its ambitious vision. This achievement is not a final destination but rather a launching point for greater academic and research excellence.
Through continued investment in quality education, impactful research, international cooperation, and community engagement, the University is strengthening its role in advancing higher education in Yemen and the Arab world while expanding its presence on the global academic stage.
