King Khalid University has achieved a significant leap in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, advancing to 301–350 globally and securing fourth place nationally. This progress brings the university closer to being ranked among the top 200 universities globally, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of having several Saudi universities ranked in the top 200 by 2030. This achievement underscores the university's leading role in academic and research excellence at both national and international levels, reflecting its ongoing commitment to innovation and quality according to the highest global standards.

Acting President of King Khalid University, Prof. Saad bin Mohammed bin Dajam, extended his gratitude to the Kingdom’s wise leadership, praising the support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their ongoing efforts to enhance education, research, and innovation in the Kingdom. He also acknowledged the efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Asir, the Minister of Education, Prof. Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, and the Council of University Affairs, who have played key roles in elevating the university’s global standing and improving its performance in line with national and international objectives. Prof. bin Dajam also thanked the university’s staff and students, highlighting the pivotal contributions of the Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research and the International Rankings Unit in achieving this success.

Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Prof. Hamed bin Majdoa Al-Qarni, emphasized that this accomplishment is the result of the university's efforts to lead in academia and research, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. He noted that the university is committed to advancing sustainable development in the Kingdom through research, innovation, and the development of academic programs tailored to meet the needs of the Saudi labor market and the knowledge-based economy. He added that this progress is the outcome of a comprehensive strategy aimed at developing national talents and providing an educational and research environment that fosters creativity and opens new horizons for international collaboration.

Prof. Al-Qarni also emphasized that King Khalid University is committed to playing a leading role in realizing Vision 2030, not only by enhancing its academic and research performance but also by developing the human capital that will shape the Kingdom’s knowledge-based future. "We aim to equip our graduates to become leaders in key sectors such as health, energy, and technology, which are central to the Vision’s objectives. Additionally, we are working on strengthening our research and innovation capabilities to support the development of sustainable solutions for national and international challenges, guided by Vision 2030 and the Asir Region Development Strategy."

He further noted, "Such achievements are only possible through a clear strategic vision that integrates academic education with applied research, contributing to real and sustainable change in both Saudi society and the global community."

Dr. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qahtani, head of the International Rankings Unit, stated that this significant ranking in the Times Higher Education reflects the university’s dedication to continuous improvement across all areas, particularly in research and international partnerships, which are key objectives in enhancing the university’s global reputation. He highlighted the university’s notable progress in research and innovation over the past five years, which has positively impacted its performance in global rankings.

Dr. Al-Qahtani also stressed the important role the university plays in developing national talents to support both local and global job markets, while building strategic partnerships with international academic and research institutions to promote knowledge exchange and innovation. He confirmed that the university is enhancing its academic and research reputation among employers, thus preparing its graduates to become future leaders in various sectors.

This achievement comes in the context of the university’s remarkable progress, reflected in its advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge academic and research programs, and its contribution to community service through various collaborative and volunteer initiatives. Through these efforts, King Khalid University continues to reinforce its position as a leading educational and research institution nationally, with a steadfast commitment to achieving sustainability and development goals aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

This success also supports the university's ongoing efforts to align with Vision 2030, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for research, innovation, and higher education. Additionally, through its research projects and academic initiatives, King Khalid University contributes to the goals of the Asir Region Development Strategy "Qimam wa Shyam" (Peaks and Values), which aims to enhance the region’s educational and research capacities, enabling it to become a leader in providing scientific and developmental solutions at the national level.