Archive · 12 Jan 2026
UAE Halts UK Scholarships Over Radicalisation Fears
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stopped giving government scholarships to Emirati students who want to study in the UK.
They are worried that students might be influenced by Islamist ideas on UK campuses.
The UAE thinks the Muslim Brotherhood, a group they consider a threat, might be active there.
The UK government doesn't agree and says they have safeguards to prevent this.
The UAE's decision means fewer Emirati students will go to the UK for studies, and their degrees from other countries won't be recognized in the UAE.
This has caused some tension between the two countries, but both sides say their overall relationship is still strong.
UAE halts government scholarships for Emirati students studying in the UK over fears of Islamist radicalisation.
UK universities excluded from the UAE's updated list of eligible institutions for state-funded scholarships.
UAE officials cite concerns about the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood on UK campuses.
UK government stresses academic freedom and existing safeguards against radicalisation.
Wealthier Emirati families can still send students to the UK using private funds, but government scholarships are redirected to other countries.
- Who
- United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom
- What
- UAE halts government funding for Emirati students seeking higher education in the UK
- When
- Decision implemented in June 2023, reported recently
- Where
- United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom
- Why
- Concerns over Islamist radicalisation linked to the Muslim Brotherhood on UK campuses
- Countries Affected
- United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom
- Reason for Halt
- Fears of Islamist radicalisation linked to the Muslim Brotherhood
- Date of Decision
- June 2023
- Impact on Students
- Wealthier families can still send students to the UK using private funds
- UK Response
- Stressed academic freedom and existing safeguards
- UAE's Stance on Muslim Brotherhood
- Views it as a direct threat to political stability
- UK Review on Muslim Brotherhood
- 2015 review found insufficient evidence to link it to terrorist activity in the UK
- Impact on UK-UAE Relations
- Adds to recent strains, including disputes over media ownership and regional conflicts
