Khalifa University student becomes first Emirati engineering student to secure Rhodes Scholarship

ABU DHABI, 5th January, 2016 (WAM) -- Khalifa University student Fahad Al Shaibani has become the first Emirati engineering student to secure a Rhodes Scholarship after submitting a successful application for the prestigious award, which gives a small cohort of gifted and talented international students the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. The scholarship will support Fahad for two years while he studies for a Graduate Degree at the university, which is widely recognised as one of the best universities in the world. It will pay his tuition for two years, offer him a small stipend, and pay for flights to and from the UAE. To be awarded, Rhodes Scholarship applicants must successfully complete an intensive compatibility process, which includes an interview with several world-leading professors and experts. Only 0.7% of applicants are successful. Successful Rhodes Scholars are chosen based on four selection criteria: intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service. They are generally considered by the Rhodes Trust to be potential future leaders. Dr. Mohammed Al Mualla, Senior Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies of Khalifa University, said, "We are proud of Fahad’s achievement in being honoured with a Rhodes Scholarship. Fahad is one of many gifted students that study at Khalifa University and his success is yet another testament to both the UAE leadership’s commitment to providing cutting-edge education facilities and infrastructure, and Khalifa University’s ability to educate students to an international standard. We wish Fahad the very best of luck in his future endeavours." Fahad was one of two Rhodes Scholars selected from the UAE this year, the other being Farah Shamout of New York University Abu Dhabi. Dr. Christoph Avenarius, National Secretary for the UAE Rhodes Scholarship, said, "The two selected UAE Rhodes Scholars will build on strong scientific backgrounds when they arrive in Oxford. Both students are committed to playing a leading role in the transition of the UAE towards a knowledge based society later in their lives. But first, the Rhodes Trust is looking forward to welcoming both Scholars in September 2016 at Oxford University." Khalifa University recently became the youngest university to rank in the top 100 universities under 50 years old, in addition to achieving ABET accreditation for six key programmes this year. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/general/1395289913773.html