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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.

Bank Of Cyprus Approves 2025 Results With €3 Billion Lending And €481 Million Profit

Robust Growth And Strategic Initiatives

Bank of Cyprus said its board approved the annual financial report for the year ended December 31, 2025, including audited consolidated results for the group. The report covers Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company, Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited, and subsidiaries. The document is available through the bank’s investor relations platform.

Impressive Lending Volume And Financial Performance

New lending reached €3 billion, up 23% year on year. Gross performing loans increased to €10.9 billion, rising 8%. Retail deposits grew to €22.2 billion, also up 8%. Profit after tax totaled €481 million, including €128 million in the fourth quarter. Return on tangible equity stood at 18.6%, while basic earnings per share reached €1.10.

Operational Efficiency And Resilience

Cost to income ratio was 37%, reflecting operating efficiency. Non-performing exposure ratio stood at 1.2%, while cost of risk was 33 basis points. Liquidity coverage ratio reached 321%, supported by surplus liquidity of €9.2 billion.

Enhanced Capital And Stress Test Performance

Common equity tier 1 ratio stood at 21.0%, while total capital ratio reached 25.9% as of December 31, 2025. Capital levels were supported by profitability despite distributions and business growth. The bank participated in the 2025 European Central Bank supervisory stress test and reported results above the average of participating institutions. Regulatory buffers are set to increase, with the countercyclical buffer rising from about 0.90% to 1.50% and the systemically important institution buffer from 1.9375% to 2.25% starting January 2026.

Shareholder Value And Dividend Policy

The bank targets a payout ratio between 50% and 70%. Total distribution for 2025 reached €305 million, equal to 70% of adjusted recurring profitability. This includes a cash dividend of €0.70 per share. An interim dividend of €0.20 per share was paid in October 2025. A final dividend of €0.50 per share is proposed for approval at the annual general meeting on May 15, 2026, compared with €0.48 per share in 2024. A share buyback programme resulted in the cancellation of more than 5.1 million shares at an average price of €5.83.

Strategic Acquisitions And Future Outlook

Recent developments include a minority investment in Wealthyhood and the acquisition of a performing loan portfolio and deposits from Cyprus Development Bank Public Company Limited. These transactions expand the bank’s portfolio alongside existing liquidity and capital levels.

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