UoB jumps in Arab varsity rankings

Manama: The University of Bahrain (UoB) has jumped nine places in the latest university rankings for the Arab region to 33 from 42 in 2015. 

The prestigious and globally recognised QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) University Rankings announced its elite and leading 50 universities in the Arab world with a total of over 1,000 in the region. University of Bahrain now ranks just outside the top 30.

“It is encouraging to see UoB jump significantly in the latest QS University Rankings: Arab Region. With the new President in place along with his team, we at QS are looking forward to further progress over the next few years and wish them all the best,” said Ashwin Fernandes, Regional Director for Middle East at QS Quacquarelli Symonds.

Meanwhile, President Riyad Hamzah said, “The work we have put in during such a small space of time has had a significant impact on our improvement in the rankings. With much more opportunity to improve, our target is to break into the top 25 next year.”

“We have recently received international accreditations for Business and Chemistry. We now have a clear strategic direction for our international marketing, brand awareness and international reputation,” he added.

In the last few months, the university’s use of digital media has improved significantly. Last month, UoB was invited to attend and speak at the prestigious international universities event in the UAE, where Prof Hamzah spoke on the future of higher education in the digital age, which has boosted UoB’s international profile. 

For next academic year, more changes are planned in addition to a new teaching excellence and leadership unit and phase 1 of closing centres and merging colleges.

“The role of UoB is central to developing economic growth, improving public services and contributing to society. However, our role is to move to the next level and drive innovation and breakthrough startups in addition to establishing an international profile through both staff and students,” Prof Hamzah added.