Riyadh: Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University advanced by more than 250 positions in the Impact Rankings 2026 issued by Times Higher Education, rising to the 201-300 global band compared with the 401-600 band last year. The achievement marks a new academic milestone, with the university entering the list of the world's top 40 universities in three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the rankings highlighted the university's leadership, both locally and globally, in Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality. The university ranked 27th worldwide, making a significant leap from 88th place in 2025, while maintaining its position as the top-ranked Saudi university in recognition of its continued efforts to empower women and provide an inclusive and supportive institutional environment.

The university also recorded notable progress in Sustainable Development Goal 17, which focuses on partnerships, rising from the 101-200 global band to 18th place worldwide. It advanced from sixth to third place locally, driven by expanding its international collaborations and boosting joint research partnerships that support sustainable development goals.

In addition, the university continued its strong performance in Sustainable Development Goal 4, quality education, advancing to 34th place globally from 51st place in 2025. This reflects the quality of its educational outcomes and its ongoing efforts to enhance the learning environment and ensure inclusive and sustainable educational opportunities.