At a ceremony hosted by the British Ambassador in Riyadh, the winners of the UK Graduate Awards for the year 2022-2023 in Saudi Arabia were announced. Saudi graduates of UK universities (Jeddah, Riyadh, Dhahran) were honored for their outstanding achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, and for their contribution to strengthening relations between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The ceremony was organized by the British Embassy and the British Council in Riyadh, and was attended by senior government representatives and UK alumni.
The jury chose the winners of the four awards: Science and Sustainability Award, Culture and Creativity Award, Social Action Award, and Business and Innovation Award.
British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Neil Crompton, said: “I am delighted to host this year’s UK Alumni Awards Ceremony. We are extremely proud of our graduates who have built on their education to become leaders in various fields and champions of social change, thus enriching the lives of those around them.”
The British ambassador added: “Britain and Saudi Arabia share a strong and modern partnership. We consider graduates of British universities to be ambassadors for both countries and a testament to our strong people-to-people ties. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners.”
Eilidh Kennedy-McLean, Director of the British Council in Saudi Arabia, said: “All of the remarkable individuals we celebrated today have taken their UK education as a springboard to excel in their chosen professions and shape the world around them. This year’s awards ceremony is a testament not only to the diversity of UK alumni and their endeavors, but also to the transformative impact of education in the UK, with over 100,000 UK alumni there is so much to celebrate!”
The Science and Sustainability Award was presented to Dr. Hani Al-Hadrami, a professor and consultant of molecular diagnostics and medical biotechnology at King Abdulaziz University. Al-Hadrami has more than 10 years of academic and community service (with 4 patents, more than 80 publications and scientific papers in high-profile journals). influential, peer-reviewed, and established several academic degrees). He is in charge of the Genomic Medicine Research Center and the BSL3 Specific Infectious Factors Unit, and is the founder of the Saudi Society for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. His research on the COVID-19 pandemic has had a remarkable impact around the world in terms of discovery and treatment.
The award for culture and creativity was presented to Dr. Muhammad Al-Zaidi, who is currently an assistant professor at King Saud University, and heads the Saudi Linguistics Association and teaches master's and doctoral students. Dr. Al-Zaidi graduated from the University of Essex with an MA in Linguistics in 2010, and a PhD in Linguistics in 2014. His research primarily focuses on how word order and its presentations – rhythm, stress and intonation – interact.
The Social Work Award was presented to Dr. Reham Fakih, Director of Economic Research at the National Development Fund in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She is one of the very few women who contribute significantly to political development, social diversification, and economic innovation projects.
The Business and Innovation Award was presented to Dr. Abdullah, who holds a computer engineering degree from Taif University in 2011, a master's degree in wireless communications from the University of Kent in 2014, and a PhD from Brunel University in 2018. In 2011, he joined Taif University, where he is currently an associate professor and holds the position of Head of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Higher Education. He has obtained several certificates, such as the Professional Certificate in the Management of Entrepreneurship Centers.
Okaz (Jeddah)