The United Arab Emirates has abruptly ended state-funded scholarships for students seeking to study at UK universities, citing fears that Emirati youth could be exposed to Islamist radicalisation on British campuses. The decision has added a new layer of tension to already strained UK–UAE relations and drawn sharp political reactions, including a pointed remark from US Senator JD Vance, who described parts of the West as having become “too dangerous”. 

According to reports by The Times and the Financial Times, UAE officials believe that British universities may expose students to the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, an organisation designated as a terrorist group by Abu Dhabi. The UAE has long accused the Brotherhood of promoting extremist ideology and has repeatedly urged Western governments to ban the group.

A Middle East expert quoted by The Times said the move was partly aimed at deterring Emirati students from engaging with Islamist groups while abroad. “It’s a way of threatening young students to behave, saying in essence, whatever you do, don’t join the Muslim Brotherhood if you’re in the UK,” the expert said. However, the same source suggested the decision was more about political positioning than actual conditions on British campuses.

UK Universities Left Off Scholarship List

The Financial Times reported that the UAE Ministry of Higher Education released a revised list of foreign universities eligible for state scholarships in June 2025. Institutions in the United States, Australia, France and Israel were included, while British universities were notably absent. UK officials were reportedly informed that the exclusion was deliberate.

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Not A Total Ban On Studying In Britain

Officials stressed that the policy does not amount to a blanket ban on studying in the UK. Emirati students can still enrol in British universities if their families fund their education privately, and those already studying there will continue to receive government support. However, new applicants will face sharply reduced or no state funding. 

The issue gained international attention after US Senator JD Vance commented on the move. Writing on X, he said: “Some of our best Muslim allies in the Gulf think the Islamist indoctrination in certain parts of the West is too dangerous.”

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