Chosen through a rigorous and transparent selection process by a distinguished panel of judges, these four category winners have demonstrated outstanding achievements as professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Their remarkable success serves as an inspiration to future generations of students considering a UK education.

Study UK Alumni Awards winners 2025

Dr. Abdulrahim Sajini

University of Cambridge

Dr. Abdulrahim Sajini is a professor at Khalifa University, pioneering stem cell research for Emiratis. He founded the UAE’s first stem cell lab in 2018 and produced the first Emirati-derived human induced pluripotent stem cells, UAE001. He has secured over 9.5M AED in research funding and dedicates 40% of his time to mentoring future scientists. Educated at the University of Cambridge, he credits it for shaping his critical thinking and inspiring his scientific journey.

Dr. Ally Zlatar

University of Glasgow

Ally Zlatar is an artist, scholar, and activist. Founder of The Starving Artist and its Scholarship Fund, she advocates for systemic reform through creative voices. Her "This Body of Mine" project supports migrant artists globally. A recipient of awards like the Commonwealth Innovation Award (2023), she studied in the UK, including an MLitt from Glasgow School of Art, shaping her work at the intersection of art, mental health, and social justice. 

Maryam Farooqi

City, University of London

Maryam is the Partnerships Lead for MENA at the International Rescue Committee. She builds multi-million-dollar philanthropic partnerships across the Gulf, supporting humanitarian work. At City Law School, she learned the importance of global humanity: “Our birthplace is a lottery, and it is our duty to help others,” she says. She now leads partnerships in MENA, creating life-changing impact.

Mayank Varyani

King's College London

Mayank Varyani is the General Manager of AngelSpark, the most active angel investor in the MENA region. As the sole employee, Mayank has spearheaded all AngelSpark's operations including leading the investments for 11 early-stage startups in just over a year. The rigour and cultural diversity of Mayank’s UK education experience provided him with the analytical skills, leadership and understanding of cultural nuances to undertake such investments.