Wahid Mohammed Abdullah
In a new academic achievement that adds to the growing accomplishments of Hadhramout University and its leadership, the University secured second place among Yemeni universities in the QS Arab Region University Rankings 2027, issued by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). This accomplishment marks the University’s third consecutive year of inclusion in this prestigious ranking, reaffirming its steadily rising position within the higher education landscape in Yemen and the Arab world.
What stands out most is not merely the University’s continued presence in the rankings, but the significant progress it has achieved in overall performance. Compared with the previous edition, Hadhramout University recorded a 25.7% increase in its overall score, reflecting sustained institutional efforts to strengthen its academic standing and enhance its competitiveness among regional and national universities.
For those interested in the details of the ranking, the University’s performance improved across six key evaluation indicators, including the academic environment, research impact, digital presence, and international engagement. Some indicators recorded growth of as much as 55%, while others showed increases ranging between 8% and 19.8%.
Particularly encouraging is the University’s advancement by 24 positions in the category related to the learning and academic environment and 10 positions in the indicator measuring research impact. Furthermore, citations of the University’s research publications increased by 25.8% between the assessment periods used in the two ranking editions, demonstrating the growing influence and recognition of Hadhramout University’s scholarly contributions within the broader academic community.
This achievement is the result of a collective effort involving faculty members, researchers, administrative and technical staff, and students, supported by the University’s leadership under the guidance of Prof. Mohamed Khanbash, President of Hadhramout University, together with Vice Presidents Prof. Abdullah Babair, Prof. Salem Al-Awbathani, and Prof. Salem Bamasoud.
The University’s sustained presence in the Arab rankings for three consecutive editions, coupled with its improved overall performance, reflects the implementation of a clear strategic vision that translates evaluation outcomes into practical priorities. These priorities focus on enhancing educational quality, expanding the impact of scientific research, strengthening partnerships, and advancing community engagement.
In my view, this achievement confirms that Hadhramout University continues to play an increasingly influential role in the Yemeni and Arab higher education sectors. It represents another important milestone in a journey defined by continuous improvement, expanding scientific impact, and a commitment to academic excellence.
At the same time, building upon this success remains an ongoing responsibility. The true value of these achievements lies in their ability to translate institutional progress into a richer student experience, greater opportunities for researchers, higher-quality academic outcomes, and a stronger contribution to community development and national progress.
Hadhramout University’s continued advancement serves as a testament to its dedication to excellence, innovation, and knowledge creation, reinforcing its aspiration to become a leading center of higher education and research both regionally and internationally.


