Sharjah, UAE -  American University of Sharjah (AUS) is set to host the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Higher Education Summit: Middle East 2027 in Sharjah, bringing together university leaders, policymakers and industry experts for three days of dialogue, networking and collaboration. This marks the first collaboration between AUS and QS—a global leader in higher education analytics and advisory services—in organizing the event, and the first time Sharjah will welcome the prestigious summit, underscoring the emirate’s rising prominence as a hub of higher education excellence.

The announcement was made during a meeting held on the AUS campus on September 2, where Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director for QS in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, discussed the plans for the upcoming summit in the presence of senior officials from both institutions. 

“This milestone places AUS, Sharjah and the UAE at the heart of global conversations on higher education. The summit will provide our emirate with an important platform for regional and international leaders to exchange ideas and shape the future of learning,” said Chancellor Laursen.

“Hosting the QS Higher Education Summit for the Middle East in Sharjah for the first time in 2027 is a powerful recognition of the emirate’s growing influence in global academia. Together with AUS, we aim to create a platform where regional and international leaders can exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and shape a more innovative and inclusive future for higher education,” said Dr. Fernandes.  

In the most recent QS World University Rankings, AUS climbed 60 places to reach 272 globally, placing it among the top 18 percent of institutions worldwide. These gains—driven by improvements in employer reputation, academic reputation and research impact, alongside top global standings in international faculty and student diversity—reflect a consistent upward trend since 2018.

For more information about AUS rankings, visit www.aus.edu/rankings.

For more information, please contact:
Samar Saeed, PR and Media Specialist, Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at AUS, smahmoud@aus.edu 

About AUS

American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Inspired by his vision, AUS was established as a leading educational institution dedicated to advancing society through academic excellence, research, innovation and meaningful collaboration with industry and culture.

Today, under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, AUS is further enhancing its position regionally and globally by driving innovative research, expanding academic programs and strengthening global partnerships.

Ranked consistently among the top 10 universities in the Arab region (QS Arab Region University Rankings, 2025), AUS is also recognized globally, ranking among the top 18 percent of ranked universities in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2026).

AUS offers 33 undergraduate majors, 48 minors, 21 master’s programs and eight PhD programs through four academic units: the College of Architecture, Art and Design; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Engineering; and School of Business Administration.

The university is licensed and its degree programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with additional international accreditations from respected bodies including ABET, AACSB and NAAB.

Home to students from over 100 nationalities, AUS provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students are empowered to become impactful leaders, innovators and changemakers.

AUS delivers an exceptional educational experience, combining rigorous academic standards with rich cultural diversity and practical, real-world applications, with world-class facilities, renowned faculty and a dynamic academic community.