The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has significantly curtailed state funding for its citizens wishing to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom, a move largely attributed to long-standing tensions over the UK's stance on the Muslim Brotherhood. The decision, first reported by the Financial Times and corroborated by multiple news outlets, underscores the UAE's growing concerns regarding the potential for Islamist radicalisation on British university campuses. In June 2025, the UAE's Ministry of Higher Education published a revised list of international universities eligible for government scholarships and official degree recognition. While this updated list included institutions from countries such as the United States, Australia, France, and Israel, British universities were conspicuously omitted. Officials from the UAE reportedly confirmed to their UK counterparts that this exclusion was deliberate, stating a desire to prevent Emirati students from being exposed to what they perceive as Islamist radicalisation. This policy change comes amidst deteriorating relations between Abu Dhabi and London, primarily fueled by the UK's refusal to proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization designated as a terrorist entity by the UAE since 2014. Data cited in reports indicates that in the 2023-24 academic year, approximately 70 students at UK universities were flagged for potential referral to the 'Prevent' deradicalisation program due to signs of 'Islamist radicalisation,' nearly doubling the figure from the previous year. The implications of this decision are substantial for Emirati students, who previously benefited from generous state scholarships to study in the UK. While students already enrolled may continue to receive support, new applicants will find government funding severely restricted or unavailable. Furthermore, the UAE has indicated that degrees from universities not on its approved list may not be officially recognized, potentially diminishing the value of UK qualifications for Emirati graduates seeking employment back home. The impact is already visible, with the number of UK student visas issued to Emiratis reportedly dropping by 27 percent in the year ending September 2025. Wealthier families may still opt to send their children to British universities using private funds, but the new policy effectively limits options for many Emirati students who rely on state sponsorship. The situation highlights a significant diplomatic and educational strain between the two long-standing allies.