# 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).

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.

🌍 Middle East · 50 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [King AbdulAziz University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/king-abdulaziz-university) (kau.edu.sa)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ministry-of-national-guard-health-affairs-mngha) (ngha.med.sa)<br>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 |  |
| 3 | [King Saud University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/king-saud-university) (ksu.edu.sa)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/istanbul-university) (istanbul.edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tel-aviv-university) (english.tau.ac.il)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hacettepe-university) (hacettepe.edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ankara-university) (ankara.edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/marmara-university) (marmara.edu.tr)<br>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 Baghdad](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-baghdad) (uobaghdad.edu.iq)<br>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 - KFUPM](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/king-fahd-university-of-petroleum-and-minerals-kfupm) (kfupm.edu.sa)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/gazi-university) (gazi.edu.tr)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kaust-king-abdullah-university-of-science-and-technology) (kaust.edu.sa)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/princess-nourah-bint-abdulrahman-university) (pnu.edu.sa)<br>Higher education institution dedicated to advancing women's academic and professional development across various disciplines in Saudi Arabia. | Higher Education | 🇸🇦 Riyadh | 6,088 |  |
| 14 | [The Hebrew University of Jerusalem](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-hebrew-university-of-jerusalem) (new.huji.ac.il)<br>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 |  |
| 15 | [Dokuz Eylul University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dokuz-eylul-university) (deu.edu.tr)<br>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 Technology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/technion-israel-institute-of-technology) (technion.ac.il)<br>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 |  |
| 17 | [American University of Beirut](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/american-university-of-beirut) (aub.edu.lb)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/istanbul-technical-university) (itu.edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/anadolu-university) (anadolu.edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/united-arab-emirates-university) (uaeu.ac.ae)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/orta-dogu-teknik-universitesi-middle-east-technical-university) (metu.edu.tr)<br>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 Negev](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ben-gurion-university-of-the-negev) (bgu.ac.il)<br>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 | [TÜBİTAK](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tubitak) (tubitak.gov.tr)<br>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 Üniversitesi](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kocaeli-universitesi) (kocaeli.edu.tr)<br>Not currently up-to-date, providing relevant and timely information | Higher Education | 🇹🇷 İzmit | 4,244 | 1992 |
| 25 | [Uludag University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/uludag-university) (uludag.edu.tr)<br>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 |
| 26 | [Baskent University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/baskent-university) (baskent.edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sakarya-university) (sakarya.edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bar-ilan-university) (biu.ac.il)<br>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 Üniversitesi](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ataturk-universitesi) (atauni.edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/erciyes-university) (edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/khalifa-university) (ku.ac.ae)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cukurova-university) (cu.edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/y-ld-z-teknik-universitesi) (edu.tr)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/imam-mohammad-ibn-saud-islamic-university-imsiu) (imamu.edu.sa)<br>Public university offering diverse academic programs in science, engineering, medicine, humanities, and social sciences with strong research focus. | Higher Education | 🇸🇦 Riyadh | 3,579 |  |
| 35 | [Yeditepe University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/yeditepe-university) (yeditepe.edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/akdeniz-university) (akdeniz.edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/koc-university) (ku.edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bogazici-university) (boun.edu.tr)<br>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 Üniversitesi](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/selcuk-universitesi) (selcuk.edu.tr)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bilkent-university) (w3.bilkent.edu.tr)<br>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 |  |
| 41 | [University of Haifa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-haifa) (haifa.ac.il)<br>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 Science](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/weizmann-institute-of-science) (weizmann.ac.il)<br>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 University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/canakkale-onsekiz-mart-university) (comu.edu.tr)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/al-balqa-applied-university-bau-al-salt) (bau.edu.jo)<br>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 |  |
| 45 | [King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/king-abdulaziz-city-for-science-and-technology-kacst) (kacst.gov.sa)<br>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 Center](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/king-hussein-cancer-foundation-and-center) (khcc.jo)<br>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 Üniversitesi](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ondokuz-may-s-universitesi) (omu.edu.tr)<br>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 Beirut](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/saint-joseph-university-of-beirut) (usj.edu.lb)<br>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 Üniversitesi](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/manisa-celal-bayar-universitesi) (mcbu.edu.tr)<br>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 Dhabi](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/new-york-university-abu-dhabi) (nyuad.nyu.edu)<br>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 |

## 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.

## More company lists in the Middle East

- [The largest companies in the Middle East](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-in-the-middle-east) (7,218)
- [Multinational companies in the Middle East](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-in-the-middle-east) (1,866)
- [Manufacturers in the Middle East](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-in-the-middle-east) (1,092)
- [Retail chains in the Middle East](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-in-the-middle-east) (803)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in the Middle East](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-in-the-middle-east) (785)
- [Companies with a mobile app in the Middle East](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-in-the-middle-east) (724)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in the Middle East](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-in-the-middle-east) (718)
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- [Financial Services companies in the Middle East](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-in-the-middle-east) (283)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686)
- [Research institutes in Turkey](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-turkey) (116)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-middle-east