The University of Bahrain (UoB) ranked seventh globally in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, Partnerships for the Goals, in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026, outperforming more than 1,600 higher education institutions worldwide.
The university also ranked seventh among Arab universities and 23rd globally in SDG 4, Quality Education. In the overall rankings, UoB was placed in the 101-200 band globally, ranked 85th in Asia, 17th in the Arab world, and retained first place locally.
Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Bahrain, said the achievement reflects international recognition of the university's role in building partnerships that support sustainability in education, scientific research and community service.
The minister congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the achievement, noting that it reflects the support extended to the university.
He also highlighted the role of the university's Board of Trustees, the Higher Education Council, the university's administration and its staff in achieving this result and strengthening the university's standing in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
For his part, Dr. Fuad Mohammed Al Ansari, President of the University of Bahrain, said the results place the university among leading institutions in sustainability and partnerships and reflect its contribution to advancing shared global development goals.
Among the initiatives contributing to the university's performance in SDG 17 is its institutional sustainability education programme, developed in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The programme has been integrated into all bachelor's programmes through two compulsory English language courses.
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assess universities based on their performance in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The 2026 edition included more than 1,600 institutions from 115 countries.