King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) reached a remarkable milestone by ranking first among universities in the Middle East and Africa for 2024, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. KFUPM surpassed all universities in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region, Turkiye, South Africa, and beyond, including the University of Cape Town in South Africa and Tel Aviv University, both of which had held top positions for several years. This achievement reflects the significant leap the university has experienced since the beginning of its strategic transformation in 2020, KFUPM said in a news release. In 2020, KFUPM ranked 507th globally and 13th in the Arab world in the THE rankings. As a result of its ambitious strategic plan and objectives, it steadily climbed to 366th in 2021, to 228th in 2022, to 221st in 2023, and 176th in the latest 2024 rankings published this week. The substantial leap, gaining over 330 positions in just four years, highlights the university's dedicat ed efforts to enhance the quality of education and strengthen its research output. Alongside this progress, KFUPM achieved a series of consecutive gains in other global rankings. The university saw a remarkable ascent in the QS World University Rankings, moving from the 200th position in 2020 to 101st in 2024. Additionally, it made significant strides in the QS World University Rankings by subject, now ranking second globally in petroleum engineering, eighth in mining, 48th in chemical engineering, and 54th in mechanical engineering. KFUPM president Dr. Muhammad Al-Saggaf expressed his pride in the university's achievements, noting that the journey towards global distinction is still long. He praised the continuous support from the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as the commitment and guidance of Energy Minister His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, who also is chairman of the university's board of trustees. Source: Saudi Press Agency