Alsharid is second Emirati Rhodes scholar in 2016

Abu Dhabi - In total, eight students from the UAE have been awarded the scholarship

 Mohammad Ali Mohammed Rashed Alsharid has been named the second Emirati student in 2016 to be awarded the coveted Rhodes Scholarship, from Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
The Khalifa University Computer Engineering student told Khaleej Times that receiving the prestigious scholarship has been an honour.
"I was speechless when I got the phone call saying that I have been awarded. I needed time to let it sink in."
The scholarship, which was established in 1902 by the late British businessman, Cecil Rhodes, is one of the oldest and most recognisable awards for international fellowship and academic study.
In total, eight students from the UAE have been awarded the scholarship, including five Emiratis.
The scholarship will support Alsharid as he obtains his graduate degree at Oxford University, while also covering the cost of tuition and offers a small stipend, in addition to flights to and from the UAE. The expenses for a three year programme are estimated to hit almost Dh800,000.
"I look forward to continuing my studies in computer engineering, and I'm also interested to see how modern technology affects the society."
The 22-year-old pointed out that he hopes to continue his studies until he receives his PhD.
"I hope to be involved in the research and development in computer science in the UAE. I want to help develop new solutions to the problems we may face."
Last month, 20-year-old Dubai Abulhoul from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYU Abu Dhabi) was also awarded the Rhodes Scholarship.
Alsharid highlighted that UAE is certainly setting a high benchmark when it comes to education, adding that he is proud to see fellow Emiratis represent their nation on an international platform.
"Emiratis are succeeding not only locally, but also globally, and that proves that the government investment in education is working. Despite our small population, we are doing a lot of great things."
Only 0.7 per cent of applicants are chosen as recipients. The students are hand picked on a four selection criteria: intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service, and are generally considered by the Rhodes Trust to be potential future leaders.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com