The Saïd Foundation is delighted to announce that three new Rhodes scholars have been selected to receive the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. In partnership with the Foundation and Oxford University, this is the first year that Rhodes scholars have been selected from the Foundation’s target region.

After a highly competitive selection process, the selectors chose three outstanding individuals: Hashem Abu Shama from Palestine, Nur Arafeh from Palestine and Diala Al Masri from Lebanon. Initially two scholarships were available for the region, but as a testament to the strong calibre of highly talented applicants, and through the generosity of an anonymous donor, the selection panel was able to offer a third scholarship this year.

These three exceptionally talented individuals will contribute significantly to both the Rhodes Trust and the region, each have shown a strong desire and commitment to their particular field but also their country and the wider region and we are in no doubt that they will all be an inspiration for future generations for many years to come.

Full details about the scholars-elect and the Rhodes Trust are available here.

The Foundation is proud to partner with the Rhodes Trust and Oxford University and we look forward to welcoming the scholars-elect to the UK in autumn 2017.