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50 leading research institutes in the Middle East

Tamtam tracks 179 research institutes headquartered in the Middle East. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by King AbdulAziz University, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA) and King Saud University. Their median headcount is 4,144. Half of them were founded in 1969 or later. The most common headquarters are Ankara (7), Istanbul (6) and Riyadh (5).

🌍 Middle East50 companiesUpdated Nov 12, 2026

These research institutes in the Middle East are primarily large public universities, with a strong focus on higher education, scientific research, and community engagement. The list includes King AbdulAziz University, which fosters knowledge with advanced education, and the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), a multispecialty health system. Other notable institutions are Istanbul University, a leading institution with a student-centered approach, and Tel Aviv University, focused on advancing human knowledge.

A clear pattern in this data is the prevalence of higher education institutions across Saudi Arabia and Turkey, with a significant concentration of universities in cities like Riyadh and Ankara. Many of these institutions were founded in the mid-20th century, contributing to national and international communities through technology and partnerships.

#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
King AbdulAziz Universitykau.edu.sa

Public university fostering knowledge society with advanced education, scientific research, community engagement, innovation, and leadership development through partnerships.

Higher Education 🇸🇦 18,524 1967
2
Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA)ngha.med.sa

Government-funded multispecialty health system integrating clinical care, training, research, and advanced technology across Saudi Arabia with centralized electronic records.

Hospitals and Health Care 🇸🇦 Riyadh 14,914 n/a
3
King Saud Universityksu.edu.sa

Providing quality education, conducting valuable research, serving national and international communities, contributing to knowledge society through technology and partnerships.

Higher Education 🇸🇦 Riyadh 13,420 1957
4
Istanbul Universityistanbul.edu.tr

A leading institution with a student-centered education approach, distinguished academic staff, historical and modern campuses, and a vast library collection

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Istanbul 9,401 1453
5
Tel Aviv Universityenglish.tau.ac.il

Leading multidisciplinary university focused on advancing human knowledge and inspiring students to pursue their passions and innovate

Higher Education 🇮🇱 Tel Aviv 7,838 1956
6
Hacettepe Universityhacettepe.edu.tr

A prestigious institution offering education, research, and public services in various fields such as health sciences, medicine, and technology

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Ankara 7,772 1967
7
Ankara Universityankara.edu.tr

An institution embedded in the history and mission of the Republic, promoting modern science, democratic values, and enlightenment nationwide

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Ankara 7,675 1946
8
Marmara Universitymarmara.edu.tr

A reputable educational institution in Turkey offering programs in Commercial, Agriculture, Forestry, and Mining industries since 1883

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Kadıköy 7,127 1883
9
University of Baghdaduobaghdad.edu.iq

A prominent university in the Middle East and Arab region, founded in 1956, with 24 colleges spread across Baghdad, Iraq

Higher Education 🇮🇶 Karrada 6,817 1956
10
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals - KFUPMkfupm.edu.sa

Top-ranked university specializing in science, engineering, and technology, offering advanced programs and conducting innovative research with industry collaboration.

Higher Education 🇸🇦 Dhahran 6,415 1963
11
Gazi Universitygazi.edu.tr

Public university based in Ankara, Turkey, established in 1926, offering various academic programs in fields such as education, engineering, economics, and architecture

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Ankara 6,308 1926
12
KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)kaust.edu.sa

It is a graduate-level research university focused on interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation in science and technology for global challenges.

Higher Education 🇸🇦 Thuwal 6,144 2009
13
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman Universitypnu.edu.sa

Higher education institution dedicated to advancing women's academic and professional development across various disciplines in Saudi Arabia.

Higher Education 🇸🇦 Riyadh 6,088 n/a
14
The Hebrew University of Jerusalemnew.huji.ac.il

Leading Israeli university with over 23,000 students across undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, operating from four campuses in Jerusalem and Rehovot Alumni network available

Higher Education 🇮🇱 Jerusalem 5,931 n/a
15
Dokuz Eylul Universitydeu.edu.tr

A leading higher education institution with diverse faculties, institutes, colleges, hospitals, research centers, technopark, technology transfer office, and incubation center

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Alsancak 5,814 1982
16
Technion - Israel Institute of Technologytechnion.ac.il

Global pioneer in scientific and technological education and research, it drives innovation in fields like biotechnology and nanotechnology, shaping the 'Startup Nation' and impacting millions worldwide.

Higher Education 🇮🇱 Haifa 5,772 n/a
17
American University of Beirutaub.edu.lb

A teaching-centered research university in Beirut, offering over 120 programs leading to bachelor's, master's, MD, and PhD degrees

Higher Education 🇱🇧 Beirut 5,759 1866
18
Istanbul Technical Universityitu.edu.tr

A state university in Turkey offering modern education facilities and international contacts to shape talented engineers and architects since 1773

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Istanbul 5,598 1773
19
Anadolu Universityanadolu.edu.tr

Provides innovative higher education with extensive distance learning programs, multiple faculties, research centers, and vibrant cultural activities for students.

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Eskişehir 5,540 1958
20
United Arab Emirates Universityuaeu.ac.ae

A comprehensive, research-intensive university offering accredited graduate and undergraduate programs through nine colleges, providing research solutions to national, regional, and global challenges.

Higher Education 🇦🇪 Al Ain 5,430 1976
21
Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi / Middle East Technical Universitymetu.edu.tr

A leading public technical university in Ankara, Turkey, with a focus on research and a diverse international student population

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Ankara 5,301 1956
22
Ben-Gurion University of the Negevbgu.ac.il

Leading Israeli research university with multiple campuses, faculties, and research institutes, educating students and contributing to various fields of development, industry, and society.

Higher Education 🇮🇱 Be'er Sheva 4,915 1969
23
TÜBİTAKtubitak.gov.tr

Leading autonomous research council in Turkey, advancing science and technology through funding, conducting research, and supporting researchers to promote national development and innovation

Research Services 🇹🇷 Ankara 4,911 1963
24
Kocaeli Üniversitesikocaeli.edu.tr

Not currently up-to-date, providing relevant and timely information

Higher Education 🇹🇷 İzmit 4,244 1992
25
Uludag Universityuludag.edu.tr

A public university offering a wide range of academic programs with a large student body and a diverse teaching staff

Higher Education 🇸🇦 4,144 1975

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26
Baskent Universitybaskent.edu.tr

A foundation university offering quality higher education in Turkey, with a focus on research, academic excellence, and contribution to society

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Ankara 4,046 1993
27
Sakarya Universitysakarya.edu.tr

Specializes in providing advanced education and training beyond the high school level, focusing on academic and professional development

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Sakarya 4,012 1970
28
Bar-Ilan Universitybiu.ac.il

Leading university specializing in energy, sustainability, medical sciences, cyber, nanotechnology, natural language processing, community clinics, and student well-being.

Higher Education 🇮🇱 Ramat Gan 4,006 1955
29
Atatürk Üniversitesiatauni.edu.tr

The organization is a prominent university in Turkey with a rich history, offering a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities to a large student body

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Erzurum 3,856 1957
30
Erciyes Universityedu.tr

An educational institution offering a wide range of academic programs, with a large number of academic staff and students enrolled

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Talas 3,775 1978
31
Khalifa Universityku.ac.ae

Leading university focused on research and development, preparing science and engineering graduates to create practical solutions for global challenges.

Higher Education 🇦🇪 3,699 2017
32
Cukurova Universitycu.edu.tr

Located in Adana, Southern Turkey, it provides academic services and opportunities for higher education at Cukurova University

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Balcali 3,629 1973
33
Yıldız Technical Universityedu.tr

Established in 1911, an old and reputable Turkish university in Istanbul, offering various faculties and vocational schools for higher education to thousands of students.

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Istanbul 3,598 1911
34
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)imamu.edu.sa

Public university offering diverse academic programs in science, engineering, medicine, humanities, and social sciences with strong research focus.

Higher Education 🇸🇦 Riyadh 3,579 n/a
35
Yeditepe Universityyeditepe.edu.tr

A leading foundation university in Turkey, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing academic quality, global partnerships, and innovative research projects

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Istanbul 3,458 1996
36
Akdeniz Universityakdeniz.edu.tr

Established in 1982, it provides education, research, and community services in various fields, contributing to the overall development of the region and the country

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Antalya 3,432 1982
37
Koç Universityku.edu.tr

A leading non-profit private university in Istanbul, providing world-class education, conducting cutting-edge research, and promoting ethics, social responsibility, and good citizenship

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Istanbul 3,414 1993
38
Boğaziçi Universityboun.edu.tr

Prominent educational institution established in 1971 in Istanbul, offering a diverse range of academic programs on the European side of the Bosphorus

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Istanbul 3,242 1863
39
Selçuk Üniversitesiselcuk.edu.tr

A prestigious educational institution with multiple campuses, faculties, and research centers, providing modern facilities and resources for over 60,000 students

Education Administration Programs 🇹🇷 Selçuklu 3,199 1975
40
Bilkent Universityw3.bilkent.edu.tr

Established in 1984, the organization is Turkey's first foundation university, focused on providing high-quality education, scientific research, and cultural activities on a global scale

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Ankara 3,133 n/a
41
University of Haifahaifa.ac.il

The University of Haifa offers personalized attention and freedom for students to succeed, making a positive impact in various fields globally

Higher Education 🇮🇱 Haifa 3,099 1972
42
Weizmann Institute of Scienceweizmann.ac.il

A leading research institution with five faculties conducting multidisciplinary studies, pioneering advancements in science, and training research students

Research Services 🇮🇱 Rehovot 3,071 1934
43
Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Universitycomu.edu.tr

Established in 1992, this Turkish government university provides educational services and opportunities for students in various fields of study

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Çanakkale 2,785 1992
44
Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU)bau.edu.jo

A leading Jordanian university with over 62,000 students offering 300+ programs at BA, MA, and diploma levels across multiple campuses

Higher Education 🇯🇴 Al-Salt 2,722 n/a
45
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)kacst.gov.sa

Support national research and innovation strategies, provide technological services, conduct R&D in key sectors, and foster industrial development.

Research Services 🇸🇦 Riyadh 2,646 1977
46
King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Centerkhcc.jo

An independent non-profit foundation dedicated to combating cancer in Jordan and the Middle East through fundraising, advocacy, research, and comprehensive cancer care

Hospitals and Health Care 🇯🇴 Amman 2,575 2001
47
Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesiomu.edu.tr

A university located on the coast of the Black Sea, established in 1975 with a campus overlooking the hills near the city center

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Samsun 2,507 1975
48
Saint Joseph University of Beirutusj.edu.lb

Established in 1875 in Beirut by Jesuits, this institution focuses on holistic education, promoting dialogue and openness with 12,000+ students across various campuses

Higher Education 🇱🇧 Beirut 2,410 1875
49
Manisa Celal Bayar Üniversitesimcbu.edu.tr

A state university in Manisa, Turkey, offering over 60 degree programs and promoting internationalization, excellence in education, and diversity among students

Higher Education 🇹🇷 Manisa 2,402 1992
50
New York University Abu Dhabinyuad.nyu.edu

Higher education institution offering liberal arts and sciences education, fostering intercultural understanding, leadership, and innovative research addressing global challenges.

Higher Education 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi 2,369 2010

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How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

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