Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), through its School of Business and Economics (UBDSBE), has been ranked 17th globally among the Top 30 Business Schools of the Islamic Economy 2026. The ranking was released by DinarStandard in collaboration with SalaamGateway, placing UBD among a distinguished group of institutions from across the world.
Entering the top 20 globally is not a destination. It is a beginning. This recognition affirms that UBD’s commitment to advancing education, research, and talent development within the rapidly expanding Islamic economy is gaining meaningful recognition on the global stage.
The ranking is underpinned by a rigorous and comprehensive methodology, evaluating institutions across three key pillars: Curriculum Depth, Institutional Credibility, and Ecosystem Support. These criteria reflect the ability of institutions to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant programmes, demonstrate academic excellence, and contribute meaningfully to the broader Islamic economy ecosystem.
UBD’s inclusion in this prestigious global ranking underscores the University’s strong academic foundation, growing research capabilities, and active engagement with industry and international partners. It also reflects Brunei Darussalam’s continued commitment to strengthening its position within the global Islamic economy, particularly in areas such as Islamic finance and halal industry development.
This recognition marks a significant milestone and reflects the collective efforts of UBD’s students, faculty, researchers, and partners. As an AACSB-accredited institution, UBDSBE continues to deliver high-quality programmes such as the MSc in Islamic Finance and Data Analytics, designed to generate impactful solutions across industry, policy, and research.
The achievement also highlights the growing contributions of UBDSBE in Islamic finance and the halal value chain, advancing thought leadership and promoting ethical, innovative, and sustainable practices. Further strengthening its leadership in this space, UBDSBE successfully hosted the inaugural International Conference on Islamic Finance and Sustainability (ICIFS) in 2025. This marked an important step in positioning Brunei Darussalam as a platform for global dialogue, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.
“Being ranked 17th globally is a milestone we are proud of, but it is not where our ambition ends,” said Dr Hazri Haji Kifle, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam. “We are humbled to be counted among the world’s leading institutions in the Islamic economy, and we do not take it lightly.
Brunei Darussalam, rooted in the principles of Melayu Islam Beraja, is a natural home for the development of Islamic economy leadership, and UBD is committed to being at the heart of that endeavour. At UBD, we believe we have a meaningful role to play, not just in producing graduates, but in nurturing leaders who are technically excellent, morally grounded, and committed to the common good.
Whether in Islamic banking and finance, halal industry, supply chain, or Islamic economics, the world needs principled professionals who can lead with both competence and conscience. That is the kind of talent UBD is determined to develop for Brunei, for the region, and for the global Muslim community.”
A Growing Force in the Global Islamic Economy
Rooted in the values of its nation and guided by a vision of service to the global Muslim community, UBD is building the capacity to nurture leaders who are technically equipped, morally grounded, and globally minded.
The Islamic economy is a USD 7 trillion global force. From Islamic banking and finance to halal supply chains, Islamic tourism, and the digital economy, the demand for principled and innovative leaders has never been greater. UBD is well positioned to help meet that demand.
Through its programmes, research centres, and industry partnerships, UBDSBE is cultivating the next generation of leaders across Islamic economics, banking and finance, supply chain management, halal industry, and sustainability. These are leaders who carry not just qualifications, but a clear sense of purpose.
Brunei Darussalam, as a nation built on the principles of Melayu Islam Beraja, offers a natural and authentic home for this mission. UBD sees itself not as competing with the world’s leading institutions, but as complementing them by bringing a perspective that is distinctly Bruneian, deeply rooted in Islamic values, and committed to the common good.
UBD’s recognition in this ranking reaffirms its strategic role as a contributor to human capital development and knowledge advancement in the Islamic economy, both regionally and globally. It further strengthens Brunei Darussalam’s presence on the international stage as an emerging and increasingly influential centre of excellence for Islamic economy education and leadership.