US ‘Clock Boy’ Ahmed Mohamed and family to move to Qatar

Mohamed’s homemade clock was misunderstood to be a bomb at school.

By Sreejith Vallikunnu

Ahmed Mohamed, an American boy who was arrested for bringing a homemade clock to his school in Texas, will move to Qatar. Mohamed’s clock was misunderstood to be a bomb and his arrest was made headlines around the world.

Mohamed’s family announced in a statement on Tuesday that, they would be leaving the US and moving to Qatar.

The statement was issued less than 24 hours after Mohamed met the U.S president Barack Obama at the White House for an astronomy night hosted by the president.

SO HAPPY, I CANT BELIEVE THAT I MET THE #president of THE #UNITEDSTATES!!! https://t.co/DsxJJnqNCW

— Ahmed Mohamed (@IStandWithAhmed) October 20, 2015

“After careful consideration of all the generous offers received we would like to announce that we have accepted a kind offer from Qatar foundation for education, science and community development (QF) for Ahmed to join the prestigious QF young innovators program, which reflects the organisation’s on going dedication for empowering young people and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity,” the statement said.

“We are so thankful for all the wonderful and generous offers we have received from here in the U.S and from all over the world and we truly appreciate the support shown to Ahmed and his education, which has of course been central to our decision,” the family said.

IT WAS AMAZING, AND A HONOR MEETING #PRESIDENT #OBAMA!!! #YOY #THEWHITEHOUSE pic.twitter.com/OIuXjFVLZe

— Ahmed Mohamed (@IStandWithAhmed) October 20, 2015

A statement issued by Qatar Foundation confirmed that “Ahmed Mohamed is the latest student to accept a scholarship to Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF).”

“In recognition of Ahmed’s creative capabilities that have earned him invitations to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University and more recently, the White House, where he met US President Obama at the ‘White House Astronomy Night. QF is glad to welcome the family to Doha and provide Ahmed with the opportunity to develop his skills and excel in future endeavours,” the release added.

Ahmed and his family visited Doha earlier this month. The Qatar Foundation is providing a full scholarship for his secondary and undergraduate education.

After accepting the Qatar Foundation’s scholarship, Ahmed said, “I was really impressed with everything that Qatar Foundation has to offer and the campuses are really cool. I got to meet other kids who are also really interested in science and technology. I think I will learn a lot and also have lots of fun there.”

Ahmed was arrested for bringing a homemade clock to his school, in Irving, Texas, which apparently looked like a bomb to some teachers, the school principal and the police.

When a photo of Ahmed in handcuffs was posted online, it ignited a veritable firestorm throughout social media spheres with sparking outrage and trending hashtag #StandWithAhmed.

In addition to being invited to the White House, he had received an outpouring of support from scientists, politicians and celebrities including Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Ahmed withdrew from his Texas school shortly after the incident.