King Saud University (KSU) has entered the club of the world's top 200 universities, and is ranked highest among Arab and Islamic higher education institutions. According to webometrics, the Spanish international classification of universities, KSU ranked 197th in the world and first among Arab and Islamic universities in July 2009, the highest ranking increase ever for an Arab or Islamic university. In Asia, King Saud University ranked 21st, according to webometrics. In 2007, KSU occupied the 3259th place, in July 2008, the 380th, and in Jan. 2009, the 292nd. The record achievement was attributed to diversified development covering almost all fields of specialization, including research chairs; nano program; recruitment of renowned scientists, including Nobel laureates; technological programs; satellite labs; twinning with international partners; business pioneering; endowments; academic reliability and quality; high qualification of staff; and strategic projects for academic and health programs.
