Emirati student named 2017 Rhodes Scholar

Abu Dhabi - Dubai Abulhoul, who is a senior at the university, as well as Guillaume Sylvain and Melissa Godin, both from Canada, are now among the many intellectuals throughout history, who have received the Rhodes Scholarship.

A 20-year-old Emirati student has been selected as 2017 Rhodes Scholar, along with a Canadian student, both from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYU Abu Dhabi). The prestigious award allows exceptional students to pursue their postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in England.  Dubai Abulhoul, who is a senior at the university, as well as Guillaume Sylvain, are now among the many intellectuals throughout history, who have received the Rhodes Scholarship.
The scholarship is one of the world's oldest and most recognisable awards for international fellowship and academic study, which was established in 1902 by the will of the late British businessman, Cecil Rhodes.
The young Emirati student told Khaleej Times that she is honoured to represent her country at Oxford.
"I am honourd to receive this scholarship, especially after meeting the most amazing finalists during the process. Without the support of all those around me I wouldn't have made it this far."
Abulhoul is majoring in political science and is currently resear-ching the effect of gender roles and culture on political participation in her home country, as part of her senior capstone project.
She is also a member of the Emirates Youth Council, a government initiative aiming to develop government strategies to keep up with youth trends, identify challenges facing today's youth, and to ensure participation of youth in UAE public affairs.

In 2012, she authored Galagolia: The Hidden Divination, a best-selling Emirati fantasy novel that made her become recognised as the UAE's youngest published author.

"I look forward to pursuing an MsC in Diplomacy and Global Governance, and using that knowledge to one represent my country's overarching, global narrative abroad."

She pointed out that Emirati women are certainly climbing the ladder of success, reaching new heights and achieving their dreams.

"Growing up, I was blessed to be surrounded by positive role models."

"Being a woman does not stop you from having achievements or competing in world titles."
Abulhoul, who has interned at the UAE Embassy in Washington DC, later received the 2014 Arab Woman Award for Young Talent of the Year in recognition of her book.
She noted that she aims to work at the foreign affairs and help serve the UAE after completing her studies at Oxford.
Sylvain, from Quebec, has also worked exceptionally hard to receive the scholarship.
He became immersed in Arabic language and the Middle East, majoring in Arab Crossroads programme and minoring in Arabic language and political science.
His capstone research, which looks at how secondary school textbooks work to instil a set of shared values and a sense of Emirati historical national consciousness in a young nation, where its citizens are a distinct minority.
Sylvain also serves as an Arabic translator and crewmember with Refugee Rescue UK, in their international rescue efforts in Lesbos Island, Greece. "I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to represent both my home province of Quebec and NYU Abu Dhabi, as I join the Rhodes community in Oxford. "The process was challenging at times, but it was incredibly inspiring to meet other engaged students from across the country."
He pointed out that he will continue his studies on the Middle East, reflecting on ways communities across the region and beyond can find coexistence, where today there is conflict and polarisation.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com
X