Al-Hawaj: “Ahlia University” Among the World’s Top 300 Universities
Professor Abdulla Y. Al-Hawaj, Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ahlia University, announced that “Ahlia” has been ranked among the world’s top 300 universities, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, published today at the Times Higher Education Global Academic Summit 2026 in Cape Town, Republic of South Africa. This academic achievement makes Ahlia University the first private Bahraini university to attain such a prominent position on the global stage.
Prof. Al-Hawaj dedicated the achievement as an expression of loyalty and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in recognition of their continued support for the advancement of higher education and scientific research, and their belief that investing in people and knowledge represents the greatest investment in Bahrain’s future.
He commended the efforts of the Ministry of Education and the Higher Education Council, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council. He also expressed appreciation for the Minister’s congratulations to Ahlia University, the University of Bahrain, and Arabian Gulf University on their progress in the global ranking. His appreciation extended to the General Secretariat of the Higher Education Council, led by Her Excellency Dr. Diana Abdulkarim Al-Jahromi, for its continued efforts to support and develop Bahrain’s higher education sector.
Prof. Al Hawaj highlighted that Ahlia University considers the achievement a collective success involving its Board of Trustees, Board of Directors, chaired by Ms. Hala Farouk Almoayyed, University leadership, advisory councils, faculty members, staff, students, and alumni.
Mr. Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Times Higher Education, highlighted the notable progress achieved by Bahrain’s higher education institutions in the 2027 rankings, noting the diversity of academic and research excellence across the Kingdom. He pointed out that Ahlia University made a distinguished debut, entering directly among the world’s top 300 universities, which he described as a significant achievement reflecting the University’s strong performance and research focus.
The ranking also placed Arabian Gulf University in the 401–450 band, while the University of Bahrain progressed to the 801–1000 band globally. The 2027 ranking covered more than 2,000 universities worldwide, selected from more than 20,000 higher education institutions.
Prof. Al-Hawaj revealed that Ahlia University’s strategic plan had originally set a target of entering the world’s top 500 universities by 2030. He noted that the University achieved this objective significantly ahead of schedule, reaching the top 300 through the collective efforts of its students, faculty, researchers, and administrative teams.
He attributed the achievement to the University’s sustained commitment to academic excellence and research. He highlighted that Ahlia researchers are among the top 2% of scientists worldwide according to the Stanford ranking, while the University’s journal has recorded more than 1,200 citations and 300,000 downloads on Scopus, and the University’s research publications indexed in Scopus have surpassed 1,000 papers. “This advanced position is the blessed outcome of a sustained journey of academic excellence and rigour, and a clear testament to the ability of a Bahraini university to compete and make a meaningful impact on the global academic stage.” Al-Hawaj said.
Prof. Al-Hawaj emphasised that the international rankings have significant importance to Ahlia University as it represents substantial indicators for measuring progress and continuously reviewing performance, rather than as an end in themselves. He affirmed that the University’s ultimate priority remains delivering high-quality education, advancing scientific research, developing academic and administrative capabilities, serving the community, and contributing to knowledge production.
The achievement was announced during Ahlia University’s participation in the Times Higher Education Global Academic Summit 2026 in Cape Town from 29 September to 1 October, bringing together university leaders, academics, researchers, and higher education policymakers from around the world.
