Khalifa University student wins Rhodes Scholarship

Abu Dhabi: Khalifa University on Monday announced its second Emirati student to be awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Mohammad Al Sharid, who majors in Computer Engineering, becomes the second student from the university to win the scholarship in two years, and also the second Emirati engineering student accepted by the programme.

The Rhodes Scholarship which was started in 1903 is regarded as one of the world’s best scholarship programmes, and gives students the opportunity to complete their degree at Oxford University with all tuition fees covered by the scholarship. Admissions into the scholarship are very selective and limited with only 0.7 percent of applicants being accepted.

“It’s an honour to be chosen as a recipient for this scholarship, and I am looking forward to pursuing my graduate studies at Oxford University,” said a delighted Al Shaird on being accepted as a Rhodes Scholar.

Al Sharid added that he was grateful for the opportunity and would use it to help his country in the future.

“I am grateful for the education and opportunities Khalifa University has given me. I couldn’t have done this without the support of the management, faculty and staff, and I hope that I can continue to make them, and the UAE, proud with my future efforts,” he said.

Dr. Arif Al Hammadi, Khalifa University Executive Vice President, said the selection of Al Sharid was a good testament to the university and the policies put in place by the country’s leadership to advance the country’s higher education sector.

“(Al Sharid) is the second of our students to receive a Rhodes Scholarship and I believe that this speaks to the quality of the students at Khalifa University,” he said.

“The wise leadership of the UAE have focused on education as the way forward for the country and its citizens, and the investment and support for young researchers is evident in their achievements and their ambition. We look forward to seeing how much more Mohammad achieves in his career, and the future successes of the youth of the UAE,” he added.