• Saleh Busaibe, 19, an Emirati pupil at Brighton College Abu Dhabi, will start his bachelor's at the University of Cambridge in September.
    Saleh Busaibe, 19, an Emirati pupil at Brighton College Abu Dhabi, will start his bachelor's at the University of Cambridge in September.
  • The pupil scored two A* in maths and economics, and an A in further maths in his A-level results.
    The pupil scored two A* in maths and economics, and an A in further maths in his A-level results.
  • He needed two A* grades and an A to meet his offer conditions at Trinity College, Cambridge.
    He needed two A* grades and an A to meet his offer conditions at Trinity College, Cambridge.
  • Saleh said it was his dream to study at the University of Cambridge.
    Saleh said it was his dream to study at the University of Cambridge.
  • He later wants to pursue a master’s programme and possibly work in investment banking.
    He later wants to pursue a master’s programme and possibly work in investment banking.

Emirati star pupil in Abu Dhabi off to Cambridge's Trinity College


Anam Rizvi
  • English
  • Arabic

An Emirati pupil at Brighton College Abu Dhabi has secured a place at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

Saleh Busaibe, 19, is set to start his bachelor’s in economics at the University of Cambridge in September.

The pupil was excited after he scored two A* grades in maths and economics, and an A in further maths.

He needed two A* and an A to meet his offer conditions at Trinity College, Cambridge.

"I was really excited to get these results,” Saleh said.

“I would have preferred to sit the exams and have the chance to prove myself. But the system this year was much better than last year."

The Year 13 pupil said he was nervous on results day.

"It’s a huge relief as I have been able to confirm my offer. It has been a dream to study at the University of Cambridge," he said.

“I am just looking forward to being there."

  • Brighton College Abu Dhabi pupil Laura Hurn has some moral support as she discovers her A-level results.
    Brighton College Abu Dhabi pupil Laura Hurn has some moral support as she discovers her A-level results.
  • Pupils discuss their A-level results with Lachlan MacKinnon, principal at Cambridge International School in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Pupils discuss their A-level results with Lachlan MacKinnon, principal at Cambridge International School in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Atharv Naik was delighted to receive five A* grades in his A-levels. Pawan Singh / The National
    Atharv Naik was delighted to receive five A* grades in his A-levels. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Atharv Naik, left, secured five A* grades and is looking forward to attending university in the UK. Pawan Singh / The National
    Atharv Naik, left, secured five A* grades and is looking forward to attending university in the UK. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Saleh Busaibe, 19, an Emirati pupil at Brighton College Abu Dhabi, received A* grades in maths and economics, and an A in further mathematics. He is pictured with his younger brother, Salman.
    Saleh Busaibe, 19, an Emirati pupil at Brighton College Abu Dhabi, received A* grades in maths and economics, and an A in further mathematics. He is pictured with his younger brother, Salman.
  • Greeshma Giridas, left, and Erin Isabel look over their A-level results at Cambridge International School in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Greeshma Giridas, left, and Erin Isabel look over their A-level results at Cambridge International School in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Brighton College Abu Dhabi pupil Carolina Beirne checks her A-level results with her mother.
    Brighton College Abu Dhabi pupil Carolina Beirne checks her A-level results with her mother.
  • The long wait is finally over as Charlotte Stoll receives her A-level results.
    The long wait is finally over as Charlotte Stoll receives her A-level results.

He is keen to pursue rowing and make the most of college life.

After completing his studies, the pupil aims to return to the Emirates to complete a year of military service.

Saleh was keen to join the programme at the University of Cambridge because it offers both maths and economics.

“It’s very math-heavy and I have always loved math. It’s my favourite subject,” he said

He later wants to pursue a master’s degree and possibly work in investment banking.

“I think it was probably four or five years ago that I decided I wanted to study at the University of Cambridge,” he said.

He flew to the UK for an in-person interview last year.

“The most fun I had during the application process was definitely in the interview,” he said.

The pupil prepared for a month before the meeting.

“When I got there, I expected to be asked about economics but was asked many questions about mathematics, which threw me off a bit,” he said.

The pupil said he felt encouraged by the professors and enjoyed living in the university’s dorms during his stay.

Asked about what he would miss most about the UAE, he said it would be spending time with his elder sister and playing with his three younger sisters and two younger brothers.

Thousands of pupils in the UAE received their A-Level results on Tuesday, with many schools reporting record results, particularly in maths and science.

The line up

Friday: Giggs, Sho Madjozi and Masego  

Saturday: Nas, Lion Bbae, Roxanne Shante and DaniLeigh  

Sole DXB runs from December 6 to 8 at Dubai Design District. Weekend pass is Dh295 while a one day pass is Dh195. Tickets are available from www.soledxb.com

Abu Dhabi traffic facts

Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road

The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.

Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.

The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.

The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.

Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019

 

Updated: August 11, 2021, 6:45 AM