Ambitious UAE students have told why they decided to head overseas to take on challenging degrees in fields such as artificial intelligence and medicine.
Quality of education rather than geopolitics has helped shape the decisions of young learners eager to embark on a university challenge and take important steps in their careers.
Headlines were made this year when the US government decided to freeze overseas student interviews and plan to begin vetting their social media accounts.
However, UAE-based students heading to study in other countries when the new academic year begins said this was not a consideration when choosing universities.
Far more important to them were university reputations and the standard of education they could hope to receive while studying.
“Geopolitical events didn’t effect me directly. The overall environment in the UK – particularly its strong reputation for high-quality medical education and support for international students influenced my decision,” said Medha Mesri, an 18-year-old Indian living in the UAE.
Ms Mesri will be studying medicine at the University of Buckingham in the UK. What appealed to her most was that she could complete her course in four to five years, while most of the alternatives she contemplated offered six-year courses.
“It would allow me to become a doctor sooner than if I opted for a traditional five to six year programme,” she said. “Other factors that also influenced my decision were a smaller cohort size, which means more individual attention and early clinical exposure. I also liked the diverse international student body and the supportive learning environment.”
Global picture
While the US allowed international students to apply for visas again in June, the condition was they would have to unlock their social media accounts for government inspection to be considered.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told embassies and consulates in June to pause foreign student interviews as the State Department began enhanced screening of applicants' social media histories.
In 2023-2024, the US hosted a record 1.1 million international students. About 90,000 were from the Arab World, according to estimates, while more than 300,000 were Indian.
The US administration's clampdown on international student visa processing caused dismay across campuses in the US and among people hoping to study there.
The number of students studying abroad globally increased by 50 per cent between 2015 and 2022, according to the latest figures available from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The number rose from three million to 4.6 million during that period.
“There weren’t any specific incident or issue that made me cancel out a specific country,” said Emirati Fahad Sameer, 21, who is entering his second year studying software engineering in the University of Southampton in the UK.
“I wanted an experience that I could look back at years from now. And while the overall academic level will probably be slightly harder, the result will be worth it. I felt like it provided an experience that would improve me as a person, and, honestly, overall just having a unique experience was a major incentive.”
Last year, The National reported how record numbers of UAE residents were applying to UK universities, with figures showing more than 8,000 were studying in British institutions – almost twice as many as six years ago.
New frontiers
“Geopolitical events didn’t affect my decision. My choice was based on personal goals and academic interests,” said Emirati Abdulrahman Majed, 22, who is studying artificial intelligence (AI) in Malaysia at UTeM (Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka).
“The biggest reason was my desire to learn about new cultures and to experience life in a Muslim country with a strong educational system – especially in technical and IT fields.
“I was (and still am) very excited about studying abroad. It’s been a great opportunity for personal and academic development. At first, I was a bit worried about being far from my family and adjusting to a new environment, but over time, I’ve become more independent and confident in handling life abroad.”
There are several factors that need to be considered before committing to studies overseas, an expert told The National.
“Studying abroad is a big opportunity, but it is not for the faint-hearted. When one chooses to live and study abroad, one has to make a million decisions on one’s own,” said Rema Vellat, director of education consultancy Counselling Point.
“One has to be judicious when choosing classes, friends, spending money and signing up for activities. While it can be filled with excitement and an undeniable novelty factor, it can also be quite daunting and overwhelming for some.
“The transition from a safe and comfortable home where most things were taken care of, like laundry, cleanliness, food, extra classes to a new environment where one has to be independent, make choices and take decisions, is not easy for some.”
While travelling abroad is a great opportunity, she said, if someone is looking for a role that requires local experience, studying overseas might not be the right fit.
“If the degree is from a top institution and the field doesn't require local experience it's a great boost for the student,” said Ms Vellat.
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
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Basquiat in Abu Dhabi
One of Basquiat’s paintings, the vibrant Cabra (1981–82), now hangs in Louvre Abu Dhabi temporarily, on loan from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
The latter museum is not open physically, but has assembled a collection and puts together a series of events called Talking Art, such as this discussion, moderated by writer Chaedria LaBouvier.
It's something of a Basquiat season in Abu Dhabi at the moment. Last week, The Radiant Child, a documentary on Basquiat was shown at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and tonight (April 18) the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is throwing the re-creation of a party tonight, of the legendary Canal Zone party thrown in 1979, which epitomised the collaborative scene of the time. It was at Canal Zone that Basquiat met prominent members of the art world and moved from unknown graffiti artist into someone in the spotlight.
“We’ve invited local resident arists, we’ll have spray cans at the ready,” says curator Maisa Al Qassemi of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's Canal Zone Remix is at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Thursday April 18, from 8pm. Free entry to all. Basquiat's Cabra is on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until October
The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Hili 2: Unesco World Heritage site
The site is part of the Hili archaeological park in Al Ain. Excavations there have proved the existence of the earliest known agricultural communities in modern-day UAE. Some date to the Bronze Age but Hili 2 is an Iron Age site. The Iron Age witnessed the development of the falaj, a network of channels that funnelled water from natural springs in the area. Wells allowed settlements to be established, but falaj meant they could grow and thrive. Unesco, the UN's cultural body, awarded Al Ain's sites - including Hili 2 - world heritage status in 2011. Now the most recent dig at the site has revealed even more about the skilled people that lived and worked there.
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Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
Business Insights
- Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
- The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel
- US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
Key Points
- Protests against President Omar Al Bashir enter their sixth day
- Reports of President Bashir's resignation and arrests of senior government officials
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
BMW M5 specs
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Power: 727hp
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In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands
50-man Royal Rumble - names entered so far include Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane, Chris Jericho, The New Day and Elias
Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
WWE World Heavyweight Championship AJ Styles (champion) v Shinsuke Nakamura
Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe
United States Championship Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal
SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos
Raw Tag Team Championship (currently vacant) Cesaro and Sheamus v Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt
Casket match The Undertaker v Chris Jericho
Singles match John Cena v Triple H
Cruiserweight Championship Cedric Alexander v tba
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
