By : Nedal Zubeidi
Jordan Daily – Petra University achieved several milestones in 2024, including the introduction of new academic programs, advancements in global rankings, and the expansion of international partnerships, according to President Dr. Rami Abdel-Rahem.
The university developed a range of new specializations, transitioning several traditional programs to digital formats. “This is a key step in our efforts to modernize education,” Dr. Abdel-Rahem said.
Petra University earned a five-star rating in the QS rankings, a significant accomplishment. The institution also improved in the Times Higher Education rankings, placing among the top 600 to 800 universities globally. In the SCImago category, the university advanced from 17th to 5th place for patent innovation.
Additionally, the university ranked 4th in Asia and 40th globally in the Inspirely category, which measures the quality of architecture and design graduate projects. Out of 1,320 institutions, Petra University’s focus on digital transformation and AI in teaching earned global recognition, Dr. Abdel-Rahem noted.
The number of research papers published by Petra University faculty doubled, rising from 200 in 2023 to 400 in 2024.”This achievement is comparable to top institutions globally,” Dr. Abdel-Rahem noted.
Petra University students also excelled in international competitions. The Faculty of Information Technology students won 1st place in Jordan and 2nd place in the Arab World for an AI project on Parkinson’s disease, as part of an IEEE competition. In the English language department, students ranked 1st in the best entrepreneurial project at an international Olympiad in Amman, while law students were recognized in a competition organized by the Red Cross.
The university introduced 14 new academic specializations, including undergraduate programs in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Medical Analysis, and a growing program in Digital Film Technology and Design. “We’re moving towards a more practical and digital curriculum,” Dr. Abdel-Rahem said.
Petra University also established a Faculty of Dentistry, now in its second year, and Physical Education program which has garnered strong interest.
During a visit to Malaysia coordinated with Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and Education Malaysia – Jordan (EMJ) in late November, Dr. Abdel-Rahem engaged with top Malaysian universities. “We learned from their advanced approaches in IT, AI, and cybersecurity,” Dr. Abdel-Rahem stated. Agreements were reached with two universities, with potential collaborations in research and student exchanges.
He explored alternative medicine programs and discussed future cooperation in fields such as nursing and AI. “We see great potential in sending our students to Malaysia for advanced degrees,” Dr. Abdel-Rahem added.
The visit also opened avenues for field training, with plans for Petra University students to train in Malaysia during the summer, given the country’s affordable cost of living. “This visit has laid the groundwork for a mutually beneficial relationship,” Dr. Abdel-Rahem concluded, noting the possibility of future exchanges, particularly in Arabic language studies.
