UAE cuts funding for citizens studying in UK universities over campus radicalization fears: report

Terrorism

UAE cuts funding for citizens studying in UK universities over campus radicalization fears: report

The move comes amid tensions over London's refusal to designate Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organization

Louis Casiano Fox News

Published

January 9, 2026 7:47pm EST

Video

These schools are using DEI as an important tool to 'screen people out,' says professor

University of Washington professor Cliff Mass discusses a job position at the school that requires applicants to provide a 'one-page diversity statement' on 'The Ingraham Angle.'

NEW

You can now listen to Fox News articles!

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is removing funding for its citizens to study in the United Kingdom, citing concerns that they could be radicalized abroad.

The move means the UAE has removed British universities from a list of high education institutions that are eligible for state scholarships. It comes amid growing tensions over London's decision not to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, the Financial Times reported.

"[The UAE] don’t want their kids to be radicalized on campus," a person directly involved with the decision told the outlet.

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ORDERED TO REINSTATE LAW STUDENT WHO WAS EXPELLED AFTER ANTI-JEWISH COMMENTS

A "Welcome to the People's University for Palestine" banner at King's College at the University of Cambridge, May 11, 2024, in Cambridge, U.K. (Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images)

Since then, Emirati students who have applied to their government for scholarships to study in the UK have been denied.

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

NYC STUDENTS EXPOSE 'EXTREMIST' PROFESSORS FOSTERING CAMPUS ANTISEMITISM AT MAJOR UNIVERSITIES

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 Sir 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 aborad and at home. During the 2023-24 school year, 70 students at UK universities were reported for possible referral to the government’s Prevent deradicalization program, the report states.

Professor warns of rising campus antisemitism: ‘It’s worse beneath the surface’

Video

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPUAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan has repeatedly questioned the UK's decision to declare the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization.

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

Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to louis.casiano@fox.com.

UAE cuts funding for citizens studying in UK universities over campus radicalization fears: report