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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.

TikTok US Venture Secures American Ownership Amid Global Turbulence

Historic Shift in Ownership and Governance

TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has forged a groundbreaking deal with a consortium of non-Chinese investors, establishing a predominantly American-owned joint venture to operate the popular social media platform in the United States. This milestone resolves a six-year political conundrum that began in 2020, when former President Donald Trump raised national security concerns and sought to ban the app during his administration.

Leadership and Strategic Oversight

At the helm of the U.S. entity, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, is Adam Presser, the former head of operations and trust and safety at TikTok. Presser’s appointment as CEO underscores the venture’s commitment to operational integrity, while TikTok CEO Shou Chew will continue to influence strategy as a board director. The joint venture is designed to safeguard national interests through enhanced data security, robust algorithm oversight, precise content moderation, and rigorous software assurances tailored for U.S. users.

Investor Composition and Governance Structure

The new entity is backed by prominent investors including Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX, each holding a 15% stake. Supplementary investments have been made by Michael Dell’s family investment firm, among others. Governed by a seven-member board that includes notable figures such as Timothy Dattels, senior adviser to TPG Global; Mark Dooley of Susquehanna International Group; co-CEO Egon Durban of Silver Lake; DXC Technology CEO Raul Fernandez; Oracle’s Kenneth Glueck; and David Scott of MGX, the venture exemplifies a blend of seasoned management and stringent oversight.

Political Reactions and Future Outlook

The announcement has drawn varied responses from political figures, including former President Trump, who lauded the agreement in a social media post on Truth Social. Trump asserted that the app is now owned by a coalition of “Great American Patriots and Investors,” thus framing the deal as a pivot towards a robust American digital presence. As TikTok USDS Joint Venture embarks on its new chapter, the venture stands as a prime example of strategic, international business maneuvering in the digital age.

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