Photo Credit : WAM
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has secured a place among the world’s top 400 academic institutions in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, highlighting its growing influence in advancing global sustainability goals.
Ranked in the 301–400 bracket out of 1,603 universities worldwide, ADU also improved its standing in the UAE, placing joint sixth among 12 participating higher education institutions.
The latest rankings reflect ADU’s efforts to integrate sustainability into education, research, campus operations, and community engagement, while aligning its work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Among its strongest performances, ADU ranked 14th globally and first in the UAE for SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, reinforcing its role in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities. The university also achieved a joint global rank of 76th for SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
ADU further placed within the top 301–400 globally for SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and among the top 101–200 institutions worldwide for SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
One of the university’s most notable gains came in SDG 4: Quality Education, where it climbed 300 places to enter the top 101–200 bracket globally. Additional progress was recorded in Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality, Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Responsible Consumption and Production.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, said the rankings reflect the institution’s broader role in creating social value beyond academic boundaries.
He noted that universities play a critical role in shaping responsible leadership, advancing knowledge, and building resilient, future-ready communities.
ADU said its sustainability agenda remains closely aligned with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, the UAE Green Agenda 2030, and the university’s Vision 2027, with ongoing projects in climate science, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and urban sustainability.
