Abu Dhabi: Two seniors from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Maitha Salem Al Memari, from the UAE, and Chaimaa Fadil, from Morocco, have been selected as 2018 UAE Rhodes Scholars.
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious, with only a few selected students accepted into the programme each year, allowing them to pursue two to three years of postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
NYUAD has already produced 10 Rhodes Scholars in five years, the highest number of Rhodes Scholars per student of any university in the world.
Al Memari, who is majoring in Social Research and Public Policy with a minor in Legal Studies and Political Science, said she was honoured by the decision.
“I am beyond ecstatic and humbled to be chosen to join the community of Rhodes Scholars at the University of Oxford. I am extremely grateful for my family, friends, and others who have supported and encouraged me to always challenge myself and achieve the best.
“At Oxford, I intend to continue to study public policy and reflect on ways we can reform education so that we empower the youth through knowledge and character development,” she added.
Fadil, who is majoring in Biology with a split concentration in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, said she wanted to make the best out of her opportunity.
“The interesting legacy of the Rhodes Scholarship is a testament to the idea that the world is ultimately what we decide to make of the resources at hand.
“As much as this scholarship is an award, it is also a responsibility for me. History has its eyes on us, and I hope we will be up to the task,” she added.
