Congratulations to our Leeds Sociology graduate for being a national finalist for the British Council Alumni Award
We would like to congratulate Hend Alhathboor for her achievement in becoming a finalist at the prestigious awards.
Hend Alhathboor completed the MA Society, Culture and Media at the University of Leeds in 2020. Her impressive achievements since graduating have been recognised internationally. Hend was shortlisted as a finalist for the 2024 British Council Study UK Alumni Award in the category of the Culture and Creativity for her significant contributions to the tourism sector in Dubai and all of the associated economic and social impacts this generates.
Hend’s journey to the UK began with a full scholarship from the Ministry of Higher Education in the United Arab Emirates. Her educational experience at the School of Sociology and Social Policy was the catalyst for a series of achievements that, according to Hend, continue to have a positive impact on her community, her profession, and her home country. She has said that,
My educational journey in the UK was a transformative experience. The University of Leeds provided me with not only a world-class education but also an environment that encouraged critical thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of societal dynamics.
After graduation, Hend embarked on a career path with the marketing department at Dubai Tourism. One of the most rewarding projects she has worked on is the Expo 2020 Dubai:
My journey from the University of Leeds to the heart of Dubai’s tourism industry has been a remarkable one. It's a story of personal growth, resilience, and the power of education to shape one’s destiny. The impact of my achievements extends far beyond me, touching the lives of countless individuals who have benefited from [new] economic opportunities
Hend had the rare honour to share her story directly with the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed. She now works for PwC Middle East as an expert on consumer-to-consumer marketing.
Dr Adam Tyson, Pro Dean International for the Faculty of Social Sciences, believes that Hend’s outstanding achievements will help inspire future generations of international students to choose the UK as their education destination.
Now in its tenth year, the British Council Alumni Awards received more than 1,450 applications from international UK alumni in over 90 countries, which represents more than 140 UK higher education institutions across the UK. This year 61 applications were received by Leeds alumni.
