Palestinian student in Dubai develops mental health app

DALIA ZIDAN NOMINATED FOR $100,000 CHEGG.ORG GLOBAL STUDENT PRIZE

- BY AALIYA ALZAROONI Reporter

As a first-generation Palestinian student at Al Mawakeb Al Garhoud in Dubai, Dalia Zidan has faced challenges that many of her peers could hardly imagine.

She had to enrol in enrichment programmes and take challenging classes outside the traditional classroom. “Being a first-gen student has taught me the power of education,” she says. “It also made me want to give back to others who may not have access to a lot of resources.”

That desire to help others sparked something bigger than she expected. Her persistence paid off. A top 10 finalist for the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2025, which carries a cash prize of $100,000.

Dalia was selected from nearly 11,000 applicants from 148 countries for her work as an aspiring electrical engineer and her efforts to make a difference in STEM and her community.

Journey of innovation