Fadi Zaghmout

So it was announced this week that I am the winner of the UK Study Alumni Social Action Award in the UAE for this year. I was informed that I am a finalist for the award around two months ago, and only few days back I was informed that I am the winner. It made me so happy, especially that I applied for the award before and was a finalist for the global version of it in 2021.

The Award Ceremony

The award ceremony took place on Tuesday at the British Council in Dubai, where the MENA Regional Director Amir Ramzan, UAE Country Director Aida Salamanca, Exams Director MENA Simon Green, and Interim Alumni Program Director Maharoop Sheri joined to celebrate the winner. I’d like to thank all of them. It was a beautifully organized ceremony. We had a lovely chat, got to know each other, talked about our experiences, and received the awards’ trophies and certificates! We also took lots of photos!!!

According to the British Council Instagram announcement post, they received over 1,300 applications from alumni in 114 countries this year, showcasing the global impact of a UK education.

Joining me in the winning list are the following inspiring people:

• Ellen Landes, Leeds Beckett University, winner Culture and Creativity Award: Managing high-profile events and mentoring young professionals.
• Abbie Hughes, University of Southampton, winner Business and Innovation Award: Helping founders grow their businesses with global retail expertise.
• Dr. Amit Swamy, University of Hull, winner Science and Sustainability Award: Innovator in mechanical engineering, impacting global industries.

A welcome acknowledgment

It’s quite an honor to receive this recognition for my writing’s social impact, and a welcome acknowledgment that I have done well with the gift I received back in 2012, winning the Chevening Scholarship and studying in the UK. My MA has certainly shaped the person I am today, and helped fuel my writing career.

I remember during the application and interviews for the scholarship, they usually ask, how your studies will help your career and how it will help your country?

Today, with this recognition, I feel that I have fulfilled my promise and cherished the gift I was granted. This gives me power to continue writing and advocating for positive change.

Spotlight on: alumni stories

On this occasion, my university, the University of Sussex, reached out to me and hosted me on their website in their “Spotlight on: Alumni Stories” section to talk about my story and how my MA fueled my writing career. Check it out! I am very thankful for the people in charge of alumni relations for their support and encouragement.