Since its launch in 2016, the ‘Oxford-Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Graduate Scholarship’ programme has allowed many Arab students to complete their postgraduate education at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. The scholarship programme aims to create the Arab scholars of tomorrow, benefitting the region through their contributions in science and research.

Scholarship recipient Karim Almahayni, from Syria, describes his experience by saying: “During my studies at Oxford, I developed my scientific knowledge in the field of pharmacology. I learned about diseases, medicines and the properties of drugs to help find treatments for addiction. I also made friends from all over the world and sought to enhance my social and managerial skills.”

Asked about his life at Oxford, he added: “I enjoyed every second of my time there, and I even volunteered during the COVID-19 pandemic to help the elderly in my area, which made me feel good about being part of the solution in some small way.”

Karim expressed his gratitude for the opportunity the Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation provided him. “Thanks to the Foundation, I joined the best university in the world and overcame many obstacles I was facing along the way,” he said. “My dream came true when I became the first student on this scholarship to graduate from Oxford. I have learned a lot, and I will work hard to harness what I have learned to give back to society and support the less fortunate. I will take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to develop treatments for incurable diseases.”