Latest Nature Index (based on 68 highly-respected science publications)

[Lure]

Much better than odd publications based ranking.

Surprised that Iran ranks even below Saudi arabia otherwise they publish 4 times the research output of Saudi arabia or Pakistan

Hint : Take a look at teaching and research Staff at KAUST. Count how many Saudi nationals are working. And you will understand why Saudi Arabia is publishing better than Iran.

Let me give you a spoiler. There is none