Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai hosted European champion sprinter Tommy Ramdhan on Tuesday for an exclusive workshop on the world of elite sport and how to overcome adversity.The event, held in Study District 2, Dubai Knowledge Park, gave students a unique opportunity to learn from an athlete who has not only achieved remarkable accolades but has also navigated the challenges of competitive sports with resilience and determination.Tommy, who made headlines as the 200m European Junior Champion in 2015 in Sweden and as a member of the 4x100m relay team that shone at the European Championships in Munich in 2022, brought a wealth of experience to the workshop.He said: “It's not just about physical training; it's about building a mindset that pushes you to overcome obstacles.”In 2020 he suffered a 10-inch tear in his abdominals, requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. He said: “Part of being an athlete is injuries, but it’s how you respond to them that matters. My training consists of five elements – hard work, time management, dedication, sacrifice and enjoyment, you need all five to succeed.“When I was injured, it was a question of my mindset. What can I control, what can’t I control. Recovery, sleep, nutrition, boundaries, coaching…you control that, focus on those things you can control.”He also spoke about how technology has impacted elite sport and how data gives an athlete a complete picture of their body and how it should be trained. MDX Dubai offers a Master of Science Sport Performance Analysis programme, which would give students an insight into this world.Throughout the session, Ramdhan engaged with students, sharing insights on the mental strategies that have propelled him to success. He encouraged the students to set their goals high and work tirelessly towards them: "The question you need to ask yourself in sports, and in your studies, do you have a growth mindset? Failure is always an opportunity to grow, feedback is constructive, you can overcome this.”Attendees, including many student athletes, seized the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into the sacrifices necessary for competing at the highest level. By the end of the workshop, they had acquired practical skills and ideas to enhance their mindset around goal setting and take meaningful steps toward success.Sports Performance Analysis is undergoing significant expansion, with nearly every professional club and elite athlete enlisting the services of performance analysts who furnish them with objective data aimed at enhancing their sporting prowess. On our programme you’ll learn about performance indicators, performance profiling, reliability testing, and statistical analysis using industry-standard software packages.

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai have awarded Professor Ajit Karnik the title of Emeritus Professor in recognition of his substantial contributions to the university in both research and teaching. The award reflects his significant impact in the field of economics and his unwavering commitment to higher education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The news comes as MDX Dubai bid farewell to Professor Ajit, who has retired after an impressive 44-year career in higher education, including 15 years as a Professor of Economics at the university. His legacy as an educator and researcher leaves an indelible mark on the institution and the field of economics in the UAE.Prior to his tenure at MDX Dubai, Professor Ajit held positions as the Reserve Bank of India Professor of Political Economy at the University of Bombay and as a Professor of Economics at the University of Wollongong Dubai. His extensive experience in academia is complemented by prestigious international fellowships, including the Smuts Commonwealth Fellowship at Wolfson College, Cambridge, the Fulbright Fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley, and a fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin.Throughout his career in the UAE, Professor Ajit has made significant contributions to the region’s economic research landscape. He published the first econometric economic model for the UAE and conducted a groundbreaking study estimating the elasticity of demand for tourism in the country. His efforts at MDX Dubai were instrumental in establishing a robust research culture, recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) as an exemplar for international branch campuses.Professor Ajit’s dedication to fostering international collaboration in research led to the establishment of Souq Economics, a centre of excellence that serves as a platform for researchers globally to share and develop their work. He also chaired the First and Second International Emerging Research Paradigms in Business and Social Science conferences in 2011 and 2013, marking significant milestones as the first major international conferences organised by a UK university in the region.Beyond his research contributions, Professor Ajit has been an inspiring teacher and mentor, supervising over 150 taught master’s students. He was the local supervisor for Dr Pallavi Kishore, who became the first faculty member to earn a PhD from the University.Middlesex London Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shân Wareing, said “My thanks go out to Professor Ajit for his excellent contributions to Middlesex University Dubai over the years.”Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor Middlesex University, and Director, Middlesex University Dubai, said: “In recognition of Professor Ajit’s substantial contribution to MDX Dubai in research and teaching, he’s eminently worthy of the award of the title Emeritus Professor.  “He will continue to be connected with the faculty, students and research at the Dubai campus.” 

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai celebrated the launch of its 3rd Annual Language and Culture (LC) Exchange Fair last week.The innovative initiative connects students and staff who hail from different countries and speak different languages, offering them the chance to share knowledge and learn from each other.This year’s programme featured a diverse array of languages, including Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, American Sign Language (ASL), Spanish, French, Korean, and Mandarin.About the LCExchange ProgrammeThe LCExchange programme aims to foster an environment where students can learn from each other through informal classes and engaging activities. All activities are student-led, ensuring an authentic and relatable learning experience.Participants will not only enhance their language skills but also gain insights into the traditions and customs of the cultures associated with each language. The programme offers a valuable opportunity to meet new people, build professional networks, and increase employability - all at no cost for MDX Dubai students.Participants also receive a Certificate of Participation from the London campus as recognition of their involvement.Upcoming ActivitiesThe 2024/25 academic year promises an exciting lineup of activities, including:Interactive self-paced online courses developed by fellow students.Six virtual interactive evening classes, each lasting 1.5 hours, per semester.Language Cafés on campus for Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, and ASL to further support learning.Students interested in participating or seeking further details can sign up through the programme’s registration form. Register now