By Nash Seman
The United Arab Emirates has introduced new restrictions on government funding for Emirati students seeking to study at universities in the United Kingdom, reflecting growing political and security concerns related to political Islam and extremism.
The policy shift became evident in June when the UAE Ministry of Education released an updated list of internationally accredited universities eligible for government scholarships and degree recognition. While the list included institutions across the United States, Australia, France, and Israel, British universities were notably absent—an omission widely viewed as deliberate rather than administrative.
According to informed sources, the decision is rooted in Emirati concerns over what officials perceive as an increased risk of Islamist radicalization within certain UK academic environments. Emirati authorities have reportedly communicated these concerns directly to British counterparts, emphasizing the need to safeguard students from ideological exposure. British officials, in turn, have underscored their commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression, highlighting a fundamental divergence in approach.
The UAE’s position aligns with its long-standing domestic and regional campaign against political Islam, particularly since the Arab uprisings of 2011. Abu Dhabi has consistently viewed movements linked to the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat to state stability and regional security, a stance that continues to shape its foreign and educational policies.
Recent developments in the UK have further intensified Emirati concerns. During the 2023–2024 academic year, referrals of students to the UK government’s counter-extremism “Prevent” program for alleged Islamist radicalization increased, even though the absolute numbers remain small relative to the overall student population. Additionally, protests and campus unrest linked to the war in Gaza have heightened sensitivities around political activism at British universities, which some Emirati officials view as destabilizing.
These educational tensions are unfolding against the backdrop of broader strains in UAE–UK relations. Ongoing points of friction include regulatory and political debates surrounding an Emirati bid to acquire a major British newspaper, allegations related to the conflict in Sudan—which Abu Dhabi denies—and legal and financial scrutiny involving a Premier League football club owned by Emirati interests.
The Muslim Brotherhood remains a central point of disagreement. The UAE strongly opposes the group and has repeatedly criticized the UK’s position following a 2015 review that found no evidence linking the Brotherhood to terrorist activity within Britain. For Abu Dhabi, this divergence underscores a deeper philosophical divide over how political Islam should be addressed.
The policy change has had tangible consequences. New government funding for Emirati students beginning studies in the UK has reportedly been suspended for a period, although students already enrolled continue to receive support. The number of UK student visas issued to Emirati nationals has declined sharply—by approximately 27 percent year-on-year, and by more than 50 percent compared with 2022.
Furthermore, the UAE’s decision not to recognize degrees from institutions outside its approved list reduces the professional and economic value of UK qualifications for Emirati graduates, potentially reshaping long-term educational preferences. That said, the impact is uneven. Some members of the Emirati armed forces and wealthy families continue to access UK education through special exemptions or private funding.
Despite these developments, Emirati officials maintain that bilateral relations with the United Kingdom remain strong. British universities, for their part, continue to expand their presence within the UAE through branch campuses and partnerships in Dubai and other emirates—suggesting that educational cooperation is being recalibrated rather than abandoned.
The evolving situation illustrates how education policy has become an extension of national security and foreign policy considerations, particularly in an era where ideological influence and campus politics are increasingly viewed through a geopolitical lens.
