jordan pulse -
Amman Ahliyya University (AAU) has achieved a significant academic milestone by securing the top spot among Jordanian universities in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2026. The university climbed 54 positions from the previous year to rank 132nd across the continent, making it the highest-ranked institution in the Kingdom.
This advancement reflects the university's strategic focus on academic excellence, scientific research, and international collaboration. The ranking is based on rigorous performance indicators including teaching quality, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook.
Key Performance Indicators (2025 vs. 2026):
Overall Score: Increased from 44.7 to 51.7.
Research Quality: Rose significantly from 70.0 to 84.0.
Research Environment: Improved from 22.9 to 29.8.
Industry Connection: Increased from 51.3 to 56.9.
International Outlook: Achieved an exceptional score of 93.8.
Leadership Statements:
Dr. Maher Al-Hourani (Chairman of the Board of Directors): Expressed pride in the institutional effort, stating that this achievement is a fruit of a clear vision to place the university among global leaders and enhance Jordan's presence on the international higher education map.
Prof. Sari Hamdan (President of the University): Highlighted that the leap of 54 places in a single year aligns with the university’s 2025–2030 strategic plan to establish AAU as a leading research institution.
Prof. Ahmed Abu Arabi (Dean of Scientific Research): Attributed the success to investments in interdisciplinary research, expanded international networks, and high-quality publications in top-tier journals.
Dr. Ahmed Mansour, Director of the Sustainability and International Rankings Center, noted that this achievement marks a new era for the university as it transitions from a local leader to a global reference point for academic excellence.