JEDDAH: The British Council and British Embassy in Riyadh announced the nine finalists for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2019 on Monday. The finalists were selected for their outstanding achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and for their important contributions to strengthening collaborative ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia. The three award winners will be announced at a ceremony hosted by British Ambassador Simon Collis in Riyadh on March 11. “I am delighted to announce the finalists for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2019, which is in its fourth year in Saudi Arabia,” Collis said. “This award honors the achievements of outstanding Saudi women and men who studied at British universities, and are now using their UK education to make a positive impact towards realizing their nation’s vision. “My congratulations to all our finalists, in the professional, entrepreneurial, and social impact categories.” The award received over 1,200 applications from international UK alumni in a record 120 countries, representing more than 140 higher education institutions. The British Council’s Saudi Arabia director, Amir Ramzan, said: “The Study UK Alumni Awards provide a platform for highlighting and showcasing wonderful local talent with a UK education. Their stories are varied and inspirational and allow us to appreciate their country and their contributions to Saudi Arabia.” The finalists for the Professional Achievement Award are Prof. Faris Al-Enzi, who is a graduate of Imperial College London, Dr. Fahad Al-Naim, a graduate of the University of Manchester and Brunel University, and Dr. Waleed Al-Salem, who graduated from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The finalists for the Social Impact Award, for alumni who have made an exceptional contribution to creating positive social change, are Dr. Taghreed Al-Saraj, who attended University College London, Dr. Jouharah Abalkhail of the University of Hull, and Dr. Shaihana Almatrrouk, who also attended Manchester. The finalists of the Entrepreneurial Award, meanwhile, are Dr. Mazin Al-Zaidi, who studied at the University of Warwick, Osamah Al-Awwam, of London Metropolitan University, and Mai Al-Athel, who attended the University of the Arts, London.