100 outstanding students honoured for academic excellence

Abu Dhabi: It was Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s quote -“A country’s greatest investment lies in building generations of educated and knowledgeable youth”-that Sultan Abdo Al Ameri, a 24-year-old Emirati graduate, used as motivation during his three-year academic journey in the US.

“I achieved 97.9 per cent in grade 12 at Ghantoot School in Bani Yas. I was selected to receive a Khalifa Bin Zayed Scholarship and continue my undergraduate studies at Ohio University in electrical and computer engineering,” Al Ameri, a government employee, told Gulf News.

Al Ameri, who faced some difficulties in adapting to the new culture and environment abroad, said, “I have worked hard to complete my undergraduate studies in less than four years. Professors were very helpful, respectful and they offered every possible support. Now I am looking forward to having at least a couple of years of work experience before starting my masters.”

Al Ameri was one of the 100 outstanding students selected to receive the prestigious Shaikh Khalifa Scholarship and honoured for their academic excellence.

A special ceremony was held on Wednesday to honour 100 students who returned to the UAE after successfully completing their studies abroad under the Shaikh Khalifa Scholarship programme.

Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, presented the awards to the students at the event at the Emirates Palace Hotel in the capital.

“Shaikh Khalifa Scholarship aims to prepare qualified Emirati youth capable of succeeding in various fields and serving their nation. I urge all students to use their mental and academic capabilities to support the UAE’s development,” Shaikh Mansour said.

The scholarship identifies students who demonstrate the ideals of open intellectual inquiry, ethical behaviour, and social and civic responsibility.

Mera Mohammad Al Shamsi, 23, was honoured for her academic excellence and extracurricular activities in the University of Minnesota.

“I studied genetics and cell biology development throughout my four years in the university. I have also done a lot of research work which was published in the university’s library,” Mera, who lives in Al Ain, said.

“Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity. Everyone who has the chance to study abroad must do so,” she added.

Majid Riyad Abo Garad, who works as a financial analyst in Abu Dhabi, was honoured for earning bachelor and master degrees in business corporate finance and risk management after four years of study in the US.

“Distinguished graduates are now working in very significant organisations in the UAE and their academic accomplishments were truly appreciated,” officials from the Scholarship Coordination Office, told Gulf News.