Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The British Council and British Embassy Riyadh launched the sixth year of the prestigious awards scheme to celebrate outstanding achievements of Saudi students who have studied at British universities.

Known as Study UK Alumni Awards, the initiative aims to showcase the impact of and value of a UK higher education, raise the international profile of UK alumni in Saudi Arabia and provide a networking platform for these talented alumni for their future development.

UK university alumni residing in Saudi Arabia can apply either themselves or be nominated by someone else for the awards. Awards are presented in three categories, namely Professional Achievement Award, Entrepreneurial Award and Social Impact Award. Nominations close on Oct. 13 and applications close on Oct. 28 for alumni.

Launching the awards during his visit to Riyadh, UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa Dr. Andrew Murrison said: “Education drives success and development across nations. As strategic partners for Vision 2030, we are proud to contribute to the human capital development in Saudi Arabia through our alumni.

“These bright young individuals have studied at UK universities and are now back in their country driving economic success and social impact through their work, in their professions, and in their communities to achieve the Vision set out by their leadership. “I am pleased to launch the Study UK Alumni Awards that celebrate their outstanding achievements, and wish them the very best.”

Speaking at the event, UK ambassador to Saudi Arabia said: “Over previous years I met several award winners and finalists, all leaders in their fields, who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, industries and country.

“I encourage many more Saudis who have studied in the UK to apply to the awards so that more of these amazing stories can be shared, not only to celebrate their success but also to inspire others.”

The awards are open to alumni currently residing in Saudi Arabia, who have either studied in the UK, at an officially recognized provider of UK university degree level study for a minimum of a term or semester, or who have been awarded a full UK degree level qualification (or higher), by a UK university through a local institution overseas, within the last 15 years.

All eligible applicants will be put forward for the global alumni awards, and for national level alumni awards.

Finalists for the national level awards will be announced between November to December 2019, and the winners will be declared at a prestigious event hosted by the British ambassador in March 2020 in Riyadh.

Finalists for the global alumni awards will be announced in March 2020, followed by the winners in March/April 2020, and celebrated in a digital campaign that will raise the profile of their story and success. Award winners have the opportunity to raise their international profile, expand their professional networks, and to enhance their careers, through a professional networking visit to the UK.