In close coordination with the ADNOC Group and International Community Schools (ICSchools), the Endeavour Scholarship selected the fifth team from the UAE who form Mission Team #17, UAE! The selected winners were celebrated in Abu Dhabi on Al Worden’s Birthday. With the addition of our 17th team, we honor Al’s legacy by providing more opportunities for driven individuals to reach for the stars.
Thank you to the Honorable Martina Strong, U.S. Ambassador to the UAE, for being among our guests of honor at the Endeavour Scholarship Awards Ceremony. We are so excited to have two teams from the United Arab Emirates joining us this year!
Scholarship Recipients
Zainab Alfaqeeh
Hi there! I am 16-year-old Zainab Alfaqeeh, and I attend International Community School in Abu Dhabi as a high school student. Since my early years, astronomy and space have played a big role in my life. My fascination in space was piqued the moment I viewed my first space documentary. Driven by a constant need for information, I engaged myself in an array of shows, movies, and books. My constant search for knowledge is a reflection of my dedication to education and discovery.
I have a strong interest in STEM in addition to astronomy. I have participated in my school’s annual Innovation Day and actively participated in a number of STEM projects. Being a collaborative person by nature, I work best in groups where everyone’s efforts encourage creativity and progress.
Being able to participate in Team UAE and the Endeavour Scholarship program is a great honor for me. I am excited for the opportunity to work with other scholars and further our common objectives. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I promise to seize it with enthusiasm and commitment.
Yousef Albadawna
Greetings! I’m Yousef Al-Badawna, a seventeen year old Emirati hailing from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates where I attend International Community Schools Al Mushrif Branch. My journey into the domain of science and technology began at my early life, fueled by my inquisitiveness about the world around me. From imagining simple experiments in my bedroom to delving into complex mathematical concepts like trigonometry, I’ve always been drawn to the wonders of STEM. Inspired by the groundbreaking achievements of my home country in various scientific endeavors, I’m impassioned about contributing to the explosive landscape of knowledge and innovation.
Joining the Endeavour Scholarship Program is an incredible opportunity for me to connect with individuals who are en rapport, broaden my horizons, and embark on a journey of discovery that transcends limits.
Sara Abuhaleeqa
Hello, I’m Sara Abuhaliqa, a 16-year-old high school student from Aisha Bint Abi Baker High School for girls in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Growing up, I always enjoyed watching documentaries about the mysteries of space learning that our knowledge about space is a brushstroke of a humongous canvas that drove me to want to learn more about the universe.
Through my journey with space, I learned that space exploration isn’t just about launching rockets and sending astronauts into orbit; it’s about pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding. I became captivated by the idea that everything we learn on Earth whether it’s physics, biology, chemistry, or geology can be put to the test in the vastness of space. I saw the potential to unlock further mysteries of the cosmos. Whether it’s using chemistry to analyze the composition of distant planets, applying biology to study the potential for life beyond Earth, or harnessing physics to understand the fundamental laws governing the universe, I believe that collaboration across scientific disciplines is key to advancing our exploration of space. I aspire to be one of those who cultivate the knowledge of the universe.
I’m extremely grateful to be a part of the UAE team and it is an amazing opportunity to work together with other Endeavour Scholarship recipients.
Salmeen Khaled
Hi, I’m Salmeen, an 18-year-old aspiring scholar with a deep-seated passion for physics and mathematics. Beyond my academic pursuits at Al Yasmina Academy, I lead an extracurricular initiative where I mentor younger students in constructing miniature F1 carts using CAD and 3D printing techniques. Among my hobbies is wakeboarding, for which I have achieved national and international recognition.
Alongside my athletic endeavors, I serve as a leader in my high school, committed to creating a supportive academic environment and guiding my peers to aim higher in their pursuits. Additionally, I am actively working towards achieving a Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Mission Team #17 Educator
Riaan Al Tamimi
Rianne Al Tamimi, a passionate educator, holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. Her journey began in the banking sector, but a pivotal moment, her son’s ADHD diagnosis, led her to transition to teaching 12 years ago, driven by a desire to better understand and support him. Falling in love with teaching, her mission became making a difference in the lives of her students.
Currently serving at International Community Schools in Abu Dhabi, Rianne wears multiple hats as the Head of Assessment, Digital Learning Coordinator, and Computer Science Coordinator. One of her proudest achievements is spearheading and leading the student magazine initiative at her school—a platform where talented students showcase their skills, interests, and voices.
Furthermore, Rianne is excited about her upcoming project: publishing a digital comic book series featuring one of her school’s exceptionally talented students. Her dream and goal is to inspire and uplift those around her, leaving a lasting impact on her school community.