Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has retained its position as the top university in Dubai for the fifth consecutive year, according to the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Arab Region University Rankings for 2026. The institution also holds the 21st spot in the Arab world, underscoring its regional leadership in innovation, entrepreneurship, and forward-thinking academic programmes.
CUD’s Commitment to Future-Ready Education
The recent QS ranking highlights CUD’s commitment to aligning education with the future needs of the workforce. The university has focused on creating an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation. Its state-of-the-art Incubator Hub, located on the Dubai campus, brings together academics and industry leaders to offer mentorship, funding, and access to valuable networks. This initiative is helping to nurture the next generation of impactful business ventures in Dubai and beyond.
Expanding Academic Offerings to Meet Global Trends
In response to changing industry demands, CUD has expanded its academic offerings. The university now provides new undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and public health. Additionally, its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is designed to develop future global leaders. These programmes, developed in collaboration with industry experts, are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, preparing students to tackle complex global challenges.
CUD’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
CUD’s vision to empower the next generation of leaders and innovators was echoed by Chancellor Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, who said, “This recognition is a testament to the academic strength of Canadian University Dubai, combined with our vision to empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.” He emphasised the university’s role in supporting the UAE’s ambition to be a global leader in business sectors while promoting sustainability and societal coexistence.
Prof. Karim Chelli, CUD’s president, also praised the achievement, stating, “We are honoured to be recognised among the top institutions in the Arab Region. This recognition is the result of our strategic approach to delivering academic excellence, research impact, and student success, which focuses on preparing students for an ever-changing world.” He reaffirmed CUD’s dedication to providing a Canadian-inspired education that meets international standards while contributing to the economic and social advancement of both the UAE and the Arab world.
QS Rankings: A Prestigious Global Benchmark
The QS ranking system is one of the most trusted global measures of university performance. Since its launch in 2014, the QS Arab Region Rankings have provided an independent assessment of universities, evaluating them based on international criteria combined with region-specific measures. This makes the rankings particularly relevant for institutions in the Arab world, reflecting the unique context of higher education in the region.
As CUD continues to expand its global partnerships and solidify its position as a leading institution, its success in the QS rankings demonstrates the university’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and innovative education. For more on CUD’s strategic initiatives, see AreteUp opens its regional headquarters in Dubai Knowledge Park.
