About Khalifa University
Khalifa University of Science and Technology was established in its current form in February 2017 by decree of the late UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, through the merger of three institutions: the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR, founded 2007), the Petroleum Institute (founded 2001 with backing from ADNOC and international energy partners), and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology. Its roots trace back further still, to Etisalat College of Engineering, founded in Sharjah in 1989.
Today Khalifa University is a public research university comprising three colleges, three research institutes, and roughly 20 research centres spanning science, engineering, and medicine. The Main Campus sits on Abu Dhabi Island and covers around 135,000 square metres, housing 105 laboratories, 72 classrooms, a multi-storey sports centre, and dining outlets, with a separate Sas Al Nakhl Campus hosting the ADNOC Research and Innovation Center. A dedicated Masdar City campus focuses on sustainable energy research.
Khalifa University is consistently ranked as the top university in the UAE and among the leading research institutions in the Arab world, placing 177th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 201st in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across engineering, science, medicine, and technology, with scholarships available to both UAE nationals and international students, and sponsorship programmes backed by ADNOC, ADIA, and several UAE government ministries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Khalifa University founded?
It was established in its current form in February 2017 through the merger of the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, the Petroleum Institute, and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
Is Khalifa University public or private?
Khalifa University is a public research university, established and funded by the Abu Dhabi government.
What subjects does Khalifa University specialise in?
It focuses on science, engineering, and medicine, with particular research strength in aerospace, nuclear engineering, robotics, and renewable energy.
Where is Khalifa University located?
Its Main Campus is on Abu Dhabi Island, with an additional Sas Al Nakhl Campus and a Masdar City campus dedicated to sustainable energy research.
How is Khalifa University ranked internationally?
It is the top-ranked university in the UAE, placing 177th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 201st in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
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