King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and King Saud University (KSU) have been listed among the top 500 world-class universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) for the year 2010. The ranking has been published annually by Shanghai Jiao Tong University of China since 2003, and has attracted global recognition for the methodology it uses to rank universities. KFUPM and KSU were listed for their achievements in research and as centers of academic excellence. KSU was included in the top 400, while KFUPM ranked in the top 500 international universities. KSU, the oldest university in Saudi Arabia, has been the traditional source of skilled professionals and academics needed to meet the nation's growing needs in the areas of medicine, engineering, agriculture, science and development, the humanities and language. Two of the KSU research centers – the Prince Sultan Research Center and the Television and Broadcasting Center – have remained hubs of excellence research and training grounds for Saudi students. The Prince Sultan Research Center for Environment, Water and Desert supports research and studies on desertification, preservation and regulation of natural and environmental resources augmentation and protection of natural plants, woods, and rangeland and pastures. The Television and Broadcasting Center aims to connect the colleges, deanships and administrations of the university through a televised network, distributing lectures, seminars, conferences and cultural programs. These achievements of KSU led to its inclusion in the top 400. KFUPM initiatives, such as setting up the International Advisory Board and centers for research and academic excellence, increasing research funding, attracting highly qualified faculty members and researchers, all collectively led to its being included in the top 500. KFUPM's academic strength lies in making new investments in research and focusing on pioneering areas of research in the field of oil and petrochemicals with the aim of achieving a knowledge-based economy to support national industries. US universities still dominate the list with eight universities in the top 10 and 54 in the top 100. European universities are also in the top 100 with Cambridge University (5th) and Oxford University (10th). ARWU ranked 106 universities in the Asia-Pacific region among the top 500.
