Back in June, thousands took to the streets of the US in protest at the Supreme Court's decision to uphold Donald Trump's anti-Muslim travel ban. Still, the US president declared it a "victory" and a "vindication". These events offered an insight to the polarisation of America, which has pushed voters to the extremes and brought with it a torrent of Islamophobic sentiment.
Against that backdrop, it easy to understand why the number of Middle Eastern students pursuing their academic careers in the US has declined. The travel ban might only have applied to five Muslim-majority countries, but talented minds across the Arab world are beginning to look elsewhere.
According to the Institute of International Education, 2017 saw an 8.4 per cent drop in the number of Middle Eastern students moving to the US, while the UAE's own contingent declined for the first time in a decade.
There are several factors at play, including fewer scholarships, as well as improved opportunities elsewhere – such as in Canada and Australia – and at home. Indeed, the number of institutions of higher learning in the UAE has increased from one to 70 since 1976. But the news that some Muslim students in the US now fear for their safety beyond their university walls is both damning and tragic.
In an effort to make amends, US assistant secretary at the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Carl Risch, speaking in Abu Dhabi on Monday, made overtures to UAE students, claiming "all are welcome, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or language". His minimisation of the travel ban follows a pattern of US officials attempting to mitigate the worst excesses of their president.
But, in many ways, the damage has already been done. First to suffer will be institutions themselves, because foreign students often pay double the tuition of domestic students and bring in an estimated $39 billion a year. But on a deeper level, education plays a powerful role in bridging cultural divides.
As a result, US society at large will lose out if unprecedented hostility towards Muslims continues to keep Middle Eastern talent away.
Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
MATCH INFO
Leeds United 0
Brighton 1 (Maupay 17')
Man of the match: Ben White (Brighton)
Racecard
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 1 (PA) $55,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic Listed (TB) $150,000 (Turf) 1,600m
7.45pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 2 (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,900m
8.55pm: Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,900m
9.30pm: Balanchine Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Brief scores:
Newcastle United 1
Perez 23'
Wolverhampton Rovers 2
Jota 17', Doherty 90' 4
Red cards: Yedlin 57'
Man of the Match: Diogo Jota (Wolves)
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
BABYLON
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final:
First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2
Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group C
Liverpool v Napoli, midnight
ENGLAND%20SQUAD
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
