Winners Of Study UK Alumni Awards Revealed: Saudi Arabia

The Science and Sustainability Award Was Presented To Dr Hani Abdullah Al-Hadrami

According to the report, the award judging panel selected recipients for the four award categories: science and sustainability, culture and creativity, social action, and business and innovation.

This prestigious international award celebrates UK higher education and the achievements of UK alumni all over the world, which it highlights.

Now in its ninth year, the award has received an outstanding number of applications from international UK alumni from nearly 100 countries, representing more than 120 UK higher education institutions across the UK.

Neil Crompton, British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said, "I am delighted to host this year’s Study UK Alumni Award ceremony. We are immensely proud of our alumni, who have built on their education to become leaders in different fields and champions of social change, enriching the lives of those around them.

"The UK and Saudi Arabia share a strong and modern partnership. We consider the alumni of British universities to be ambassadors for both countries and a testament to our strong people-to-people links. My congratulations to all our finalists and winners."

Eilidh Kennedy McLean, Country Director at the British Council in Saudi Arabia, said, "The remarkable individuals we celebrated today have all taken their UK education as a starting point to excel in their chosen careers and shape the world around them."

"This year’s awards ceremony is testimony not only to the diversity of UK alumni and their endeavors but also to the transformative impact of a UK education. With over 100,000 UK graduates, there’s a lot to celebrate."

The Science and Sustainability Award was presented to Dr Hani Abdullah Al-Hadrami, a Professor and Consultant of Molecular Diagnostics and Medical Biotechnology at King Abdulaziz University.

The report further mentions that Prof. Hani Alhadrami has over ten years of academic and community service (with the accomplishment of four patents, over 80 publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, and the establishment of several academic degrees).

He is the Person in Charge at the Center for Genomic Medicine Research and the Special Infectious Agent Unit BSL3. He is the founder of the Saudi Society of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. His research on COVID-19 has had a remarkable impact worldwide in terms of detection and treatment.

Prof. Hani Alhadrami has been promoted to full professor in less than ten years since his graduation from the UK. His British education has significantly contributed to his success as a scientist and a leader.

His achievements have been widely highlighted on social media and TV channels. He is one of the stakeholders who are forming research rules for the future of Saudi Arabia and other countries.

The Culture and Creativity Award was presented to Dr Muhammad Alzaidi, currently an assistant professor at King Saud University, who chairs the Saudi Society of Linguistics and teaches MA and PhD students.

Dr. Alzaidi graduated from Essex with a Masters in Linguistics in 2010 and a PhD in Linguistics in 2014; his research is mainly concerned with how word order and prosody—the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech—interact.

His YouTube channel, Linguistics Café, is where he teaches and inspires people around the world for free. Dr. Alzaidi has always felt it very important to interact with people from different countries and cultures, as mentioned in the report.

Remembering his time at Essex, he added, "When I started studying at the University of Essex, I received loads of help, including social and academic help. The University welcomes all people from all countries regardless of nationality, race, or anything else.

"It opens up all the chances to its students. At Essex, we learned new skills that not only helped us in the academic world but also helped us improve our lives."

The Social Action Award was presented to Dr. Reham Fakieh, Economics Research Director at the National Development Fund of Saudi Arabia. According to the report, she is one of very few women who significantly contribute to political development, social diversification, and economic innovation projects.

Manchester Metropolitan University gave Dr. Reham the professional and academic qualities required of world-class economists. She left with more than a PhD; she gained a network of first-class mentors, international conference exposure, and confidence.

According to the report, Dr. Reham will lead pioneering and complex research into energy and social issues. She will continue to engage with policymakers, interface with universities, and inspire women considering economics and politics as career choices.

The Business and Innovation Award was presented. Dr Abdullah received the degree in Computer Engineering from Taif University in 2011, the master’s degree in Wireless Communication from Kent University in 2014, and the PhD degree from Brunel University in 2018, it added.

In 2011, he joined Taif University, where he is currently an associate professor and the head of the innovation and entrepreneurship center. He is a fellow at a higher education academy. He received several certificates, including a professional certificate in the management of Entrepreneurship Centers.

Dr. Abdullah works to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in society. He led his team to organize many activities and help launch several start-ups.

He observes that the UK education system equipped him with the great skills he needs. He works to increase the level of innovation and entrepreneurship in Taif city by developing the work approach necessary to meet the requirements of achieving the Saudi Vision 2030, concluded the report.