Cambridge man charged with murder in fatal stabbing of Saudi student

20-year-old Mohammed Al Qasim was stabbed in an 'unprovoked attack' before midnight

Last updated: August 05, 2025 | 11:12

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A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder and possession of a knife in a public place following the fatal stabbing of a Saudi student in Cambridge.

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Dubai: A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder and possession of a knife in a public place following the fatal stabbing of Mohammed Yousef Al Qasim, a 20-year-old Saudi national studying in Cambridge, police said.

The incident, which officers described as an “unprovoked attack,” took place late Friday night near Mill Park, a short walk from the victim’s residence. Al Qasim was reportedly confronted and stabbed by the suspect shortly before midnight. Emergency responders arrived at the scene at 11:27pm, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at 12:01am on Saturday.

Al Qasim was enrolled in a 10-week English language programme at EF International Language Campuses. The suspect, from Cambridge, appeared before Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday. A second man, 50, was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and remains in custody. Authorities said a third suspect is still at large. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Tuesday.

The Saudi Embassy in the UK said: “We are closely following up on the incident involving the assault of a Saudi citizen in the south of Cambridge, UK, which resulted in his death. We affirm that we are continuing to coordinate with the relevant British authorities to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, in preparation for completing the procedures to repatriate the deceased’s body to the Kingdom.”

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.