The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a significant policy shift by withdrawing financial support for its citizens to study in the United Kingdom. This decision stems from concerns over potential radicalization of students while abroad.

This policy change removes British universities from the list of higher education institutions that qualify for state-funded scholarships. The move comes amidst escalating tensions between the two nations, particularly following the U.K.’s refusal to label the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, as reported by The Financial Times.

An individual closely associated with the decision explained, “The UAE is concerned about the possibility of their students being radicalized on campus.”

Moreover, a noticeable display of pro-Palestinian sentiment was seen at King’s College, University of Cambridge on May 11, 2024, with a banner stating “Welcome to the People’s University for Palestine,” highlighting the ongoing political sensitivities in academic environments. (Photo by Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images)

As a result of this policy change, Emirati students seeking government scholarships for studies in the U.K. have found their applications rejected, marking a new chapter in the educational and diplomatic relations between the UAE and the U.K.

The move also means that the UAE will not recognize qualifications from academic institutions that are not on its accredited list, rendering degrees from U.K. universities less valuable than others, according to the report. 

The skyline in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where funding for its citizens to study in the United Kingdom has been halted.  (Vidhyaa Chandramohan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“All forms of extremism have absolutely no place in our society, and we will stamp them out wherever they are found,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said in a statement. “We offer one of the best education systems in the world and maintain stringent measures on student welfare and on-campus safety.”

The UAE has taken a hardline approach to Islamist movements abroad and at home. 

During the 2023-24 school year, 70 students at U.K. universities were reported for possible referral to the government’s deradicalization program, the report states. 

Starmer’s administration last year said the matter was under “close review.”