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Khalifa University Soars In Global Rankings, Solidifying UAE’s Academic Excellence

Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa University of Science and Technology continues to make waves on the global academic stage, securing top spots in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject for 2025. The university’s engineering program has climbed into the prestigious 126-150 range, while its Computer Science and Physical Sciences programs have both made impressive strides, now positioned within the 176-200 band. These results mark a major milestone for the institution, reaffirming its position as a key player in the UAE’s rapidly advancing educational landscape.

Khalifa University’s commitment to academic excellence is evident not only in its impressive subject rankings but also in its rapid ascent in global university rankings. For the first time, its Computer Science program has broken into the 176-200 range, while Physical Sciences also saw an uplift. Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, expressed the institution’s pride in these results, saying, “This recognition validates our dedication to excelling across all academic disciplines, aligning with the UAE’s broader vision to lead globally in education and research.”

The university’s remarkable rise doesn’t stop there. In 2024, Khalifa University was ranked 27th globally in the THE Young University Rankings, a leap of 22 positions from the previous year, making it the top-ranked university in the MENA region. These rankings, which assess universities aged 50 years or younger, highlight Khalifa’s fast-growing influence and its ability to compete with global academic heavyweights.

Khalifa University’s ascent in the Asia University Rankings for 2024 is equally noteworthy, having moved up five spots to claim the 40th position in Asia and the number one spot in the UAE. Furthermore, it ranks second among Arab universities in this category. The institution’s growth reflects its continuous efforts to enhance its academic offerings and foster an environment of innovation and collaboration. The university boasts three highly regarded colleges—the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, the College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, and the College of Medicine and Health Sciences—alongside 12 Core Research Centres, all of which contribute to its expanding academic footprint.

In a further testament to its excellence, Khalifa University’s Petroleum Engineering department was ranked 8th globally in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Engineering and Technology. The department is known for its forward-thinking curriculum that combines the fundamentals of petroleum engineering with a focus on the business processes critical to field development and operations. Additionally, Khalifa’s Electrical and Electronics Engineering program ranks 99th globally, securing its place among the top 100.

As Khalifa University continues to break new ground, it solidifies its role as a key institution shaping the future of higher education, not only in the UAE but on the global stage.

EU Commission Issues New AI Transparency Guidance As 2026 Compliance Deadline Nears

The European Commission has published guidance to help artificial intelligence providers and deployers comply with the transparency requirements of the EU AI Act before the rules take effect on August 2, 2026.

Guidance Clarifies Transparency Rules

New guidance explains when providers and deployers must inform users that they are interacting with AI systems or viewing AI-generated or manipulated content. It also clarifies which organisations are subject to the transparency obligations set out in the AI Act.

Provider And Deployer Obligations

Providers must ensure users are informed when they are communicating with AI systems and apply machine-readable markings to AI-generated or manipulated content so it can be detected.

Deployers must disclose the use of deepfakes, AI-generated content on matters of public interest that has not undergone human review or editorial control, as well as AI systems used for emotion recognition or biometric categorisation.

Examples And Exemptions

According to the Commission, the guidance includes practical examples, explains key concepts and outlines exemptions to help organisations determine how the rules apply. Coverage extends to interactive AI systems such as chatbots, along with synthetic text and other AI-generated content.

Requirements for deepfakes and AI-generated content relating to matters of public interest are also clarified, while exemptions apply to certain AI-assisted editing functions, including spelling and grammar corrections.

Demonstrating Compliance

According to the Commission, organisations can demonstrate compliance with the AI Act by following a recognised code of practice, providing a practical method for meeting the transparency requirements.

The guidance complements the Code of Practice on Transparency of AI-generated Content, developed by independent experts with contributions from hundreds of stakeholders. Both the Commission and the AI Board said the voluntary code provides an appropriate way for providers and deployers to demonstrate compliance with the AI Act.

Next Steps

Additional guidance, the AI Act Service Desk and other support tools are being developed to help organisations prepare for the new rules.

Most provisions of the AI Act will apply from August 2, 2026, including enforcement powers for the Commission and national market surveillance authorities. AI systems placed on the market before that date must comply with marking and detection requirements from December 2, 2026.

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