The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reduced government funding for students who want to study in the United Kingdom. This decision reflects rising tensions between Abu Dhabi and London, especially over how the UK deals with Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood.
The move came after the UAE education ministry released a new list in June of overseas universities that qualify for government scholarships and official recognition. While the list included universities from countries such as the United States, Australia, France, and Israel, British universities were missing.
This means Emirati students who want state support can no longer use it for UK universities.
BREAKING: The UAE is cutting funding for scholarships to UK universities—over fears students could be radicalized by the Muslim Brotherhood on campus.
Read that again: a Muslim country is worried about Islamist radicalization in the UK. pic.twitter.com/S2Ek1qNxgi
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) January 9, 2026
Why Abu Dhabi Is Worried About Islamist Radicalisation in Britain
Officials in Abu Dhabi are worried that Emirati students could be exposed to extremist ideas while studying in the UK. People familiar with the matter said the UAE fears that some British campuses could be vulnerable to Islamist radicalisation.
When British officials asked why UK universities were excluded from the approved list, UAE officials confirmed that the decision was intentional.
“[The UAE] don’t want their kids to be radicalised on campus,” one person with direct knowledge of the talks said.
In response, UK officials said academic freedom must be protected.
UK–UAE Tensions Over the Muslim Brotherhood
Since the Arab uprisings in 2011, the UAE has taken a tough stand against Islamist groups both at home and abroad. Under President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Abu Dhabi has repeatedly criticised Britain for not banning the Muslim Brotherhood.
The UK government said last year that the issue remains under “close review,” even though a 2015 study found no evidence that the group was linked to terrorist activity in Britain. These differences have added strain to relations between the two countries.
Prevent Programme Data Raises UAE Concerns
Official UK data also added to the UAE’s concerns. In the 2023–24 academic year, 70 students at UK universities were flagged for possible referral to the Prevent deradicalisation programme for signs of “Islamist radicalisation.” This was almost double the number from the year before. These cases came from a total student population of nearly three million, but UAE officials still see the trend as worrying.
UAE Will Not Recognise Degrees From Non-Approved UK Universities
Even though some Emirati students already studying in Britain will continue to receive government funding, the UAE has made one thing clear. Degrees from universities that are not on the approved list will not be recognised by the UAE government.
This greatly reduces the value of UK qualifications for Emirati graduates who plan to work in the UAE. Wealthier families may still send their children to Britain using private money, but many students now face fewer options.
UK Student Visas for Emiratis Drop Sharply
The impact of the decision is already visible. The number of UAE students getting UK study visas has dropped. In the year ending September 2025, only 213 visas were issued to Emirati students. This was a 27 per cent fall compared to the previous year.
What This Means for UK–UAE Education Ties
The UAE says it is limiting public funding to only what it considers the world’s best universities. However, people familiar with the issue believe the real reason behind the UK’s removal is political and security-related. As tensions continue over extremism, academic freedom, and Middle East politics, the future of UK–UAE education cooperation now looks uncertain.
