Meet Hagir Al-Dulaimi, Class of 2021 IB Diploma Graduate

Hagir joined the BIS Abu Dhabi family in Year 7 and after completing her secondary education at the school, has now graduated with the maximum of 45 points in the IB Diploma Programme. This amazing achievement has not only placed her top in this year’s diploma candidates at the school, but also in the top 1% of IB Diploma candidates worldwide. A fantastic and well-deserved accomplishment.

Hagir said “Getting 45 points was always a big and seemingly unachievable aspiration of mine, so when I opened my results, I was ecstatic. I am grateful that all my efforts have paid off and am incredibly thankful for all the support from my teachers, peers and family members who have helped me along the way.”

Despite receiving various offers to study medicine in the UK, Hagir has ultimately decided to stay in the UAE and heads to Dubai to study at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU). As a rapidly developing establishment in the centre of various world-renowned medical institutions, it is the perfect place for Hagir to begin her journey to become a doctor.

Dubai is the centre for all things healthcare in the Middle East and is becoming an increasingly recognised hub for medical care worldwide, opening the door to many opportunities. Hagir is excited to be immersed in this environment and engage in the MBRU summer scholars programme, where students have the opportunity to gain experience in leading medical facilities across the globe.  

As part of the IB Diploma, students are required to write an Extended Essay. This is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. Hagir got the top mark of an A for her essay on ‘To what extent does light intensity affect the Vitamin C content in Lepidium sativum?’. The essay focused on exploring, through scientific experimentation, the most efficient lighting conditions for growing nutritious crops. Basing her results on primary and secondary data, she developed essential research skills which will undoubtedly help her through her university studies and later in her career.

When asked why she chose to study medicine, Hagir said: “First of all, enjoying human biology throughout all of secondary helped me realise I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. To further explore what medicine as a career entails, I shadowed different healthcare professionals for a week, which was an eye-opening experience. The Year 10 work experience programme at BIS Abu Dhabi really encouraged me to further explore my interests, which ultimately led me to make the decision to study Medicine.”

How did the IB Diploma Programme help get Hagir into her dream university? “I truly believe that the IB Diploma Programme has prepared me well through my application process. The Creativity, Activity and service (CAS) element of the programme demands IB students to balance academics with extracurricular activities, which allowed me to showcase my leadership, organisation and teamwork skills, qualities which any university looks for in aspiring students. Many of my CAS activities were brought up in interviews and I believe they helped me secure places at numerous medical schools.” Said Hagir.

During her time at BIS Abu Dhabi, Hagir has been an inspiration to many members of the school community, she initiated online tutoring sessions for IGCSE students in the school, helped with set design for school productions, designed a whole corridor display for the Humanities department whilst still finding time to participate in both the football and volleyball teams.

When asked what she will miss most about BIS Abu Dhabi, Hagir said: “I will not only miss the close friends I have made at BIS Abu Dhabi, but also my whole year group who have made my time here so memorable. I will also miss the teachers, especially those who taught me during my last two years, and I would like to wish everyone who plans to do the IB Diploma in the future the best of luck.”

The future of medicine is in safe hands as Hagir is sure to be an amazing doctor, just as she has been an amazing student during her time at BIS Abu Dhabi. Congratulations, Hagir!