UAE Rhodes Scholarship Announces 2025 Rhodes Scholars Bound for Oxford

Amal Musa Ali Alrebh

Two exceptional students have been selected as the recipients of the 2025 UAE Rhodes Scholarship, securing their places for postgraduate studies at the prestigious University of Oxford in 2026. Both recipients will join a global cohort of changemakers at the University of Oxford in October 2026, where they will pursue postgraduate degrees aligned with their aspirations to create meaningful impact in their respective fields.

This year’s winners are Amal Musa Ali Alrebh, a 22-year-old Emirati who is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering at Khalifa University and Fatima Mohammed Abdulla AlNuaimi, a 24-year-old Emirati studying English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University. They were chosen from a competitive pool, by the UAE Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee. They demonstrated the Scholarship’s cornerstone criteria; exceptional intellect, leadership, moral character, and a dedication to service, values that directly align with the strategic goals of the National Youth Agenda 2031 to maximise Emirati youth contribution across all key sectors.

Fatima Mohammed Abdulla AlNuaimi

The announcement follows a rigorous selection process led by the UAE Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee which comprises both UAE leaders and former Rhodes Scholars, and is chaired by His Excellency Omar Saif Ghobash, Advisor to the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs.

H.E. Omar Saif Ghobash, Chair of the UAE Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee and Advisor to the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “Each year, we are inspired by the talent, purpose, and conviction of the young people who come before the Selection Committee. Rhodes Scholars embody the UAE’s enduring belief in education as a catalyst for growth on individual, national, and global levels,”

“Academia, knowledge exchange, and intellectual curiosity are essential to nurturing cohesive, forward-looking societies. It is this fundamental link that is embodied by Rhodes Scholars, who are renowned for their outstanding academic ability and purpose-driven leadership. We look forward to seeing how this new generation will build upon this powerful global legacy by contributing directly to the UAE’s progress and our shared commitment to global advancement.” he concluded.

Angela Migally, Executive Director of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, which endows the scholarship, said: “Behind every Rhodes Scholar is a story of perseverance, purpose, and mentorship. The Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation believes the UAE's greatest investment lies in creating environments where young people can learn, grow, and lead with integrity. The UAE Rhodes Scholarship reflects this belief, offering a legacy of learning that connects our country to global knowledge and innovation networks. Since its introduction in the Emirates, the program has empowered gifted students to advance their education, return home, and help shape the future of the UAE. That is the true power of education: its ability to multiply impact and inspire future generations.”

Born and raised in Dubai, Ms. Alrebh’s studies in Biomedical Engineering have led her to explore the intersection of technology, medicine, and global policy. Her undergraduate journey included international exchanges and clinical oncology research, shaping her vision for culturally and sustainably grounded healthcare solutions in the UAE. At the University of Oxford, she will pursue a master’s in healthcare improvement and evaluation and a master’s in medical physics.

"I see Biomedical Engineering not just as a science, but as a commitment to human beneficence. At Oxford, I aim to integrate advanced medical technology and policy to build a healthcare sector that is culturally grounded and perfectly tailored to serve our people, embodying the values of service and innovation instilled by our nation's leaders," said Alrebh.

Ms. AlNuaimi hails from Ajman and majored in English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University. Her academic work has been shaped by a deep focus on literatures underrepresented in the discipline, particularly emerging Gulf literature. She will pursue a Master of Studies in World Literature at the prestigious University of Oxford.

"My journey is driven by the belief that literature is a crucial lens through which to understand our world's complexities. I am committed to integrating marginalized regional narratives into the heart of global literary discussion. Oxford’s World Literature program, combined with the cross-disciplinary Rhodes cohort, will empower me to contribute to the UAE’s academic and creative spaces, ultimately bridging gaps of understanding and connecting our regional voices to the world stage," commented AlNuaimi.

Since its introduction in 2013, the UAE Rhodes Scholarship, supported by Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, has awarded 26 Scholars to join Oxford's distinguished international community of nearly 8,000 Rhodes Scholars. This investment in world-class education is central to achieving the UAE Centennial 2071 plan, which aims to equip future generations with the advanced skills and values needed to make the UAE the world’s best country. The immediate impact of the programme is clear: Earlier Emirati Rhodes Scholars serve at the highest levels of government and lead across key sectors of the UAE's economy and society.