Essex graduate from Saudi Arabia wins British Council Alumni Award

A pioneering academic and Essex graduate from Saudi Arabia has been named the winner of a British Council Alumni Award.

Professor Turki Althubaiti, Vice-President for Planning, Development and Continued Education at Taif University has won the Professional Achievement Award which recognises alumni who have distinguished themselves through exemplary leadership in their professional field.

Professor Athubaiti was chosen for his outstanding scholarly work at Taif University and establishing many strong community outreach programmes that have given access to high quality education to over 13,000 students in the local community.

Professor Althubaiti, who completed a Masters Degree and PhD in English Literature at Essex credits his studies in helping him achieve his goals. 

He said: "My studies in the UK made me aware that the most precious resource any country possesses are its people, and that I should do my utmost so that Saudi youth - whether male or female - achieve their full potential."

Amir Ramzan, Country Director at the British Council in Saudi Arabia, said: "As we celebrate the many talented and inspirational Saudi UK alumni, and see young Saudis continue to branch out and explore new fields, we look forward to seeing more of their contribution to the growth of their country and Vision 2030."

In total three alumni from UK universities were announced as winners in three categories for their outstanding achievements and important contributions to collaborative ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia at the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards 2018 at the national ceremony in February.

In previous years Essex graduates have seen success at the prestigious international awards. In 2016 Dr Abdullah Al Fraidan, also from Saudi Arabia won the Social Impact Award for his is exceptional contribution to online learning in his native country and his commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others.

The British Council Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of alumni and showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education. Now in its fourth year, more than 1,700 from 125 countries representing 140 UK higher education institutes were received for this year's awards. 

Please visit the British Council Alumni Award website to read more about this year's inspirational finalists.