Texas 'clock kid' Ahmed Mohamed heads to Qatar

Ahmed Mohamed, the 9th grade Muslim student who was arrested for bringing to school a homemade clock that his teacher mistook for a bomb, will move with his family to Qatar, the family said in a news release Tuesday.

"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)," the family said.

According to the news release, Ahmed will join the prestigious QF Young Innovators Program, dedicated to "empowering young people and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity."

The announcement came only 24 hours after Ahmed met with US President Barack Obama at the White House.

President Obama personally invited the 14 year-old student after his arrest last month, reaching out to him via Twitter.

"Qatar was a cool place to visit. I loved the city of Doha because it's so modern." - Ahmed Mohamed

Ahmed's story went viral on social media after he was led out of his Texas school in handcuffs for bringing a homemade digital clock that the authorities claimed resembled a bomb.

Some blamed the unfair treatment he received on his name and religious background, citing Islamophobia, while officials at his Texas school said they were only concerned with the safety of students.

Ahmed withdrew from his Texas school shortly after the clock incident.

"Our family has been overwhelmed by the many offers of support we have received since the unfortunate incident of Ahmed's arrest," Ahmed's family said in the release.

"From the White House to Sudan, to Mecca, we have been welcomed by a variety of individuals, businesses and educational institutions."

In addition to being invited to the White House and Qatar Foundation, Ahmed has received a great deal of support from scientists, politicians and celebrities including NASA and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Earlier visit

Earlier this month, Ahmed visited the Gulf state following an invitation from Qatar Foundation. The teen and his family spent hours touring Education City's campuses.

"I have had an incredible day touring Education City," Ahmed said after the tour. "The amazing facilities and programs on offer are really impressive and everyone I have met has been so welcoming and friendly. I am so grateful and happy to have been given this opportunity."

"Qatar was a cool place to visit. I loved the city of Doha because it's so modern," Ahmed said in the news release.

"I saw so many amazing schools there, many of them campuses of famous American universities," he added. "The teachers were great. I think I will learn a lot and have fun too."