The UAE’s decision to remove UK universities from its scholarship list underscores a growing concern over Islamist radicalization risks.
Story Highlights
- UAE excludes UK from scholarship list due to Islamist radicalization fears.
- Emirati students’ UK degrees may lose recognition at home.
- The decision affects UK-UAE educational ties and student mobility.
- Potential diplomatic strains arise from differing stances on Muslim Brotherhood.
UAE’s Strategic Move Against Islamist Influence
In mid-2025, the UAE’s Ministry of Education issued a revised list of approved foreign universities for government scholarships. Notably, UK institutions were excluded due to concerns about Islamist radicalization, specifically related to Muslim Brotherhood activities on British campuses. This decision is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to confront Islamist movements, which it views as existential threats. The policy aims to protect Emirati students from potential radical influences, aligning with the country’s domestic counter-Islamism strategy.
The UAE’s approach is a subtle yet impactful measure, withdrawing state support and formal recognition of degrees from UK universities. While self-funding remains an option for wealthy families, the lack of official recognition significantly reduces the value of UK degrees for Emiratis seeking employment or professional licensing back home. This move highlights the UAE’s commitment to tying counter-extremism policy directly to international education, signaling a shift in its educational diplomacy.
Impact on UK-UAE Relations and Higher Education
The exclusion of UK universities from the UAE’s scholarship list has led to a notable decline in Emirati student enrollments in the UK, with a 27% decrease in student visas in 2025 compared to the previous year. This policy decision is poised to affect UK-UAE diplomatic relations, as it adds to existing tensions over London’s refusal to ban the Muslim Brotherhood. British universities, which rely heavily on international student fees, face financial implications, though the overall system-wide impact remains limited.
UK universities must now navigate the reputational challenges posed by the UAE’s decision. The narrative that UK campuses are permissive spaces for Islamist ideologies could lead to broader scholarship reallocations to competitor countries. Meanwhile, the UAE’s emphasis on expanding British university branch campuses within its borders suggests a preference for local and regional education, potentially strengthening its domestic higher education sector.
Long-term Implications for Education and Policy
Over the long term, the UAE’s policy could encourage other nations with similar concerns to align scholarship policies with perceived ideological risks in host countries. This move raises questions about the adequacy of UK counter-extremism assurances among international partners. The shift in educational and mobility patterns may result in fewer Emiratis studying in the UK, weakening people-to-people ties and alumni networks that have historically supported UK-UAE relations.
British universities are now TOO RADICAL for centrist Muslims nations
UAE slashes scholarships for UK universities over fears students will become Islamic radicals https://t.co/2pe9NLnw41
— Libby Emmons (@libbyemmons) January 10, 2026
Ultimately, the UAE’s decision reflects its readiness to take unilateral measures against even close partners over ideological security issues. This stance puts indirect pressure on UK political parties to revisit their policies on the Muslim Brotherhood. As the UAE continues to expand its local education offerings, the potential reduction in diverse international experiences for its elites becomes a significant consideration in shaping its future educational landscape.
