Shahd Obaid, a senior journalism student at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) at the American University in Dubai has been awarded third place in the esteemed “Best Philosophical Essay” competition. The awards ceremony, held on January 21, 2025, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, coincided with the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the “Introduction to Philosophy” program.

The competition, which was organized by the House of Philosophy in Fujairah under the direction of its Dean, Dr. Ahmad Barqawi, attracted a large and highly competitive group of university students from all around the UAE.

Obaid’s essay, titled “Is Individualism the Solution to the Suffering of Modern Humanity?,” provided a compelling exploration of individualism as a philosophical concept, analysing its impact on contemporary society. The essay addressed the interconnectedness between the evolving nature of social structures and the role of individualism in influencing personal identity and social dynamics. It also highlighted how technological advancements further amplify individualism in shaping societal experiences.

MBRSC students who participated in the competition were mentored by Dr. Moussa Barhouma, Professor of Communication and Information Studies - Journalism - Arabic Track.

In a statement to theMBRSCPost, Obaid expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the competition, adding, “I deeply appreciate the efforts of the House of Philosophy in fostering creative and critical thinking among students.”

The competition, launched by the House of Philosophy in 2024, included Arabic and English categories open to students across UAE universities. Winners were awarded AED 15,000 for first place, AED 10,000 for second place, and AED 5,000 for third place in each category.