It ranks among the world’s top-performing institutions, with particularly strong results in equality and economic growth.
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has been ranked among the top 301–400 institutions globally in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, out of 1,603 universities worldwide.
The university also improved its national position, ranking joint sixth among 12 participating higher education institutions in the UAE, alongside two other institutions. The achievement highlights ADU’s ongoing commitment to embedding sustainability across its education, research, operations, and community engagement, while delivering measurable progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ADU showed progress across 10 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particularly strong performance in SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, where it ranked 14th globally and first in the UAE. It also excelled in SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, securing a joint global rank of 76 alongside another university.
The university also placed among the top 301–400 institutions globally in SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and ranked within the top 101–200 worldwide in SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
ADU also climbed 300 places in SDG 4: Quality Education, ranking among the top 101–200 institutions globally. It additionally recorded notable progress in SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said the true measure of a university’s impact goes beyond classrooms and campuses to the value it creates for society. He added that ADU’s performance in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings reflects its long-term commitment to fostering responsible leadership, advancing knowledge, and building more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready societies.
The Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings evaluate universities based on their contributions to the United Nations SDGs, using indicators across education, research, stewardship, outreach, and governance.
ADU’s latest performance underscores its continued commitment to generating long-term social, economic, and environmental impact through innovation, knowledge transfer, and responsible growth.
ADU continues to turn its sustainability ambitions into action through research-led solutions, academic programmes, and cross-sector collaboration.
Aligned with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Green Agenda 2030, and supporting its Vision 2027, the university is advancing work in climate science, environmental sustainability, urban sustainability, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture, while strengthening partnerships that promote knowledge exchange and innovation.
