Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai continued its 20th anniversary celebrations by marking the graduation of more than 1,500 talented students in the Class of 2024.Held in four ceremonies at the spectacular Atlantis, The Palm on Saturday February 1 and Sunday February 2, the event honoured the largest graduating class in the University’s proud 20-year history, and welcomed families from across the globe, reflecting MDX Dubai’s commitment to being a global community that thrives on cultural exchange and global perspectives.  MDX Dubai opened its doors in Dubai Knowledge Park in 2004 with just 28 students. Over two decades, it has experienced phenomenal growth into a celebrated research-focused institution with more than 6,300 students representing 120 nationalities.This weekend’s graduation ceremonies highlighted MDX Dubai’s strengths in advanced technologies, sustainability-focused degrees, and inclusivity in education. The ceremonies were filled with inspiring speeches from Pro-Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, and Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University, Professor Shân Wareing from the flagship campus in London.The proceedings also celebrated several Class of 2024 graduates who had gone above and beyond throughout their time at MDX Dubai, making significant contributions to their university. Four graduates were awarded the academic title of Valedictorian for exceptional performance, including Fathima Riffai, who achieved a First Class Honours in BSc Information Technology.Fathima said: “My journey at Middlesex University Dubai has been a transformative blend of academic excellence, leadership, and personal growth.“Achieving first-class honours in Information Technology was a proud milestone, complemented by my role in co-founding the UAE’s first university chapter of Girl Up, a United Nations initiative, where I served as Vice President and contributed to advancing empowerment and equality. I also served as Director of Emerging Technology for the Google Developer Student Club and Book Club Coordinator while fostering creativity and engagement as an Events Club organiser.“As a public speaker, I had the privilege of hosting flagship events such as International Day, Week of Welcome, and Youth Fest, which refined my communication skills and ignited my passion for inspiring others.”Professor Cedwyn Fernandes said: “Over the past few years, every graduate has navigated a path shaped by thousands of choices, challenges, and leaps of faith.“Each decision, big or small, has played a part in building the person they’ve become. This journey has been about more than academics. It has tested resilience, strengthened character, and turned them into leaders who are ready to create change, inspire others, and leave a meaningful mark on the world.“Although paths have all been different, they have all led to the same place, united as graduates of Middlesex University Dubai. The scroll they hold serves as a testament to their dedication and determination.”Applications to study at Middlesex University Dubai in September 2025 are now open, with an additional intake in April for the MBA (Daytime Delivery) programme.

Today, 27 January 2025, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced that 2025 will be observed as the Year of Community in the UAE.Professor Cody Morris Paris, Deputy Director of Research & Business and Head of the Business School at Middlesex University Dubai gave his thoughts on the initiative and what it means for the University."I am pleased to announce 2025 as the Year of Community in the UAE. Hand in hand, we will work to strengthen social bonds, foster shared responsibility, and unlock potential for inclusive and sustainable growth. To all those who call UAE home, I encourage you to think ambitiously and act boldly in contributing towards improving your community and ensuring that our nation remains an inspiring model of progress and prosperity."- UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.As we embark ‘Hand in Hand’ on the ‘Year of Community’, we have the opportunity to actively embrace the integral role that educational institutions have in fostering community. The UAE Year of Community announced today by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, resonates with the very essence of our mission at Middlesex University Dubai and with me on a personal level with my own academic journey.From the outset of my academic journey, earning a PhD in Community Resource and Development at Arizona State University in 2010, I have been deeply invested in understanding and developing the frameworks that support sustainable and healthy communities. One of the first classes I had the privilege to teach at Arizona State University was titled 'Sustainable Communities' where our core learning outcome for students was that healthy, resilient, and sustainable communities are built on the foundation of shared responsibility and the cultivation of both bridging and bonding social capital, enriched by innovative approaches to social, economic, and environmental development.Since relocating to Dubai in 2010, I have had the privilege to be a member of the Middlesex University Dubai community, now celebrating over two decades of educational excellence in the UAE. As the largest UK university in the region, we host a vibrant community of over 6,300 students from 120+ nationalities, embodying a microcosm of global diversity and intercultural synergy.Our commitment as a transformative educational community is driven by our fundamental purpose to turn knowledge into action for a fairer, more sustainable, and prosperous society. Guided by our 2031 strategy, we focus on providing excellent, supportive, and multidisciplinary higher education with a global outlook. This strategy aligns seamlessly with the UAE's Vision 2031 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, positioning us to transform futures for our students and the communities we serve. Through these efforts, we aim to cultivate academic excellence and sustainable growth, preparing our students for career success, lifelong learning, and leadership.Middlesex University Dubai's commitment to innovation and community engagement is further embodied in our MDX Knowledge Enterprises, which include diverse initiatives such as the MDX Innovation Hub (MIH), the Centre for Innovation in Human Experience, the Centre for Supply Chain and Logistics, JURIS Centre of Excellence for Legal Education and Training, and the Social Psychology Research Lab. Each of these play a pivotal role in advancing research and implementing practical solutions to unlock potential for inclusive and sustainable growth.In the spirit of 'Hand in Hand,' Middlesex University Dubai commits to answering the call “to think ambitiously and act boldly” during the UAE Year of Community by leveraging our diverse academic resources and research capabilities. We will continue to foster an environment where every student and faculty member is an active participant in building an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable community.As we embark on this momentous year, let us rededicate ourselves to the vision of a community that is not only educated and innovative but also deeply interconnected and supportive of one another. Together, we can make the Year of Community a landmark in our continued journey towards excellence and societal well-being.

The MSc Banking and Finance programme at Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai is officially the first university in the region to become an Associate Partner with the Certificate of Bank Treasury Risk Management (BTRM).The partnership will allow students access to one of the most respected professional qualifications in banking and finance, enhancing academic and career prospects of students and equipping them with the advanced skills and knowledge demanded in today’s fast-paced financial environment.BTRM, which is gaining significant popularity in the UAE and internationally, is a professional body dedicated to advancing expertise in bank treasury, finance, and risk management. The certification is globally recognised and accredited by leading institutions, including the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT), the American Bankers Association (ABA), and the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI). It is also CPD certified, further solidifying its reputation as a top-tier qualification.The course is delivered part time over six months and is designed to empower individuals working in or aspiring to work in various aspects of bank balance sheet management and asset-liability management (ALM). Known as the ‘Gold Standard’ in Treasury, Finance, and Risk management qualifications, BTRM provides a comprehensive understanding of asset and liability management, capital management, and liquidity risk - essential skills for navigating the complex world of banking. For students enrolled in MDX Dubai's MSc Banking and Finance programme, this partnership brings exclusive benefits, including a 55% fee discount for the BTRM certificate. The collaboration also gives students access to BTRM's high-quality course content, textbooks, and examination materials at a significant discount. Students also have the opportunity to network with banking and finance professionals, and the qualification is widely regarded as a career-enhancing tool that opens doors to senior roles in the sector.By becoming the first university in the region to establish this partnership, MDX Dubai is providing its students with a unique opportunity to gain specialised knowledge in bank treasury and risk management while enjoying substantial cost savings. The collaboration reflects the university's ongoing commitment to offering cutting-edge academic opportunities and helping students stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry, joining existing partnerships with the Global Association of Risk Professionals and the Financial Modeling Institute. The MSc Banking and Finance programme is available in the January and September intakes. The course teaches the advanced concepts behind banking and finance and the practical ways to use this knowledge within the profession. Apply today.