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3 more Omani universities listed in QS world rankings
Muscat – Oman has improved its standing as a regional and global centre for higher education with the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) report showing significant gains in research output and international rankings.
Launched in Muscat on Monday under the patronage of Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Head of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit,
the QS report – titled 'The Advanced Potential of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman' – noted a 36.9% rise in research output in 2024 compared to 2023.
Dr Mariam al Nabhani, Director General of Private Universities and Colleges, said education and research continue to be central to Oman Vision 2040. She highlighted the fact that the number of Omani universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026 has increased from two last year to five this year.
'This reflects rapid development of the sector,' Mariam said, adding that Vision 2040 aims to have four Omani universities ranked among the top 500 globally by 2040. Dr Mariam al Nabhani
Sultan Qaboos University moved up to 334th worldwide, from 362nd in 2025. Sohar University advanced to the 951–1000 band, up from 1001–1200. Three private institutions entered the QS rankings for the first time: Unive-rsity of Nizwa (761–770), Dhofar University (851–900) and German University of Technology in Oman (1001–1200).
Mariam attributed the progress to quality improvements in education, research capacity and innovation. She said Omani institutions have aligned their structures to meet QS standards, which assess academic reputation, research quality, employer perception, international collaboration and student diversity.
'The QS report supports our universities in gaining global recognition and achieving Vision 2040 targets,' she said.
Dr Moosa al Kindi, Dean of Modern College of Business and Science, described the report as a milestone for Oman's education sector, underlining how higher education institutions contribute to national development through research and innovation.
The report, he added, demonstrates Oman's commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and enhancing its position in the global academic community.
