Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai proudly hosted the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 Women's World Cup Trophy Tour last week.The newly launched Study District 2 was transformed into an ICC Fanzone, creating an electric atmosphere where students came together to form a guard of honour, welcoming the trophy as it made its grand entrance into the room. Adding to the excitement of the day, MDX Dubai welcomed back alumna Kavisha Kumari Egodage, current vice-captain for the UAE National Team, along with fellow player Lavanya Keny. The pair participated in an engaging panel discussion, sharing their personal journeys and experiences in the world of international cricket. Their insights shed light on the hard work and dedication required to succeed at the highest level in sport.Attendees were treated to an interactive Virtual Reality cricket experience, providing a thrilling taste of what it feels like to step onto the field. Additionally, a quiz session added a competitive edge, with three lucky winners taking home signed cricket merchandise from the national team.Cricket legend Charvi Bhatt expertly hosted the day's events, after it was announced she has joined MDX Dubai as Adjunct Faculty for the MSc Sport Performance Analysis programme this year. Charvi is renowned for being one of the only female voices in cricket commentary in the UAE, and frequently uses her platform to promote gender equality in sport. Dr Krishnadas Nanath, Deputy Head of Computer Engineering and Informatics at MDX Dubai, said: "As the only university to participate in this prestigious event, it was an incredible honour for our campus in Dubai Knowledge Park to welcome the official ICC Trophy. “This occasion not only highlights our commitment to fostering sports but also reinforces our dedication to providing our students with unique opportunities to engage with global events. We're proud to support our athletes and celebrate the growth of women's cricket in the region.“My thanks go out to Kavisha, Lavanya and Charvi. Charvi’s expertise will undoubtedly enrich our curriculum and provide students with invaluable insights into the sports industry.”The ICC T20 Women's World Cup runs from October 3 to 20, featuring matches nearly every day, until the final on Sunday 20 October. The UAE will be home to the tournament this year in stadiums across Dubai and Sharjah.

More than 100 Human Resource (HR) professionals, employment lawyers, and aspiring HR specialists convened at Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai’s campus in Dubai Knowledge Park last weekend, 21 September 2024, for the much-anticipated HR Forum.The event, aptly named ‘Stay Ahead in HRM’, co-hosted by Claudia Maher, Head of the CIPD Study Centre at MDX Dubai, alongside Hassan Amin, Associate Vice President of Emirates NBD and Selina Sanger Associate, Senior People Partner at Allsopp and Allsopp, provided an excellent platform for networking and knowledge-sharing among industry experts.The forum focussed on HR trends and how they are shaping the world in 2024 and 2025. Industry experts including the HR director from The Coca Cola Company and a senior associate from Clyde & Co discussed a range of topics including Pay Transparency and Inclusion, Ethical Use of Generative AI, Intelligent Technology, UAE Labour Laws and Generational Movement in the HR Field.The panel featured esteemed speakers including Yousef Bin Mohamed, Founder and CEO of Taaeen; Lee Rogers, Senior Associate Clyde & Co; Emma Noble, Senior Associate Pinsent Masons; Taha Shahbaz, HR at Inclusive Disability Inclusion Service; Melitsa Mizrahi, HR Director Coca-Cola Company; and Sarah Brooks, Director Fikrah HR; each offering unique perspectives based on their extensive experience in the field.Moderators Aysha Al Marri, Manager at UAE Talent & Development, Etihad Airport Services and Thenji Moyo, Partner at Gateley LLC, Adjunct law and CIPD faculty at MDX Dubai, guided the discussion, engaging the audience with thought-provoking questions and facilitating an interactive Q&A session that allowed for deeper exploration of the topics presented.Claudia said: “Thank you to all our speakers and guests who attended the forum. It was an honour to host such a dynamic and engaging event, where we had the opportunity to connect and explore key HR topics that are shaping the future of our field.“My thanks also go out to Professor Cedwyn Fernandes and Dr Nitin Simha Vihari, among others, for their support in making the event a success.”In addition to the insightful discussions, attendees were informed about upcoming opportunities available at MDX Dubai. The next intake for the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is set for November 2024.This programme aims to equip aspiring HR professionals with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the field.Click here for more information: https://www.mdx.ac.ae/cipd

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai alumni rallied together last week at our first padel event.Held at the newly launched Padel Edition in Al Quoz, more than 40 alumni and faculty joined together on 12 September 2024, for an evening of friendly competition and connection. The event began with a warm welcome from Professor Fehmida Hussain, Deputy Director of Engagement and Student Experience, Head of CEI and Head of the MDX Dubai Alumni Association, who emphasised the importance of community beyond graduation. Attendees enjoyed spirited games of padel, caught up with old friends, and participated in a raffle draw with exciting prizes.The event MC was former BSc Honours Information Technology student Fathima Riffai, who provided an excellent platform for alumni to reminisce about their university days, network with new connections and share updates on their current endeavours.The evening concluded with a raffle draw, where prizes were awarded by Deputy Head of Computer Engineering, Dr Krishnadas Nanath, and Senior Lecturers Engie Bashir and Muneeza Shoaib Sandeela. Professor Fehmida said: “This gathering is a testament to the strength of our MDX Dubai community. Our relationships extend far beyond graduation, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration that benefits us all. In these moments of connection, we not only celebrate our past experiences but also lay the foundation for future opportunities.“As alumni and faculty join together, we have the unique ability to support one another in our diverse journeys, sharing insights, resources, and networks that can propel us forward. Thank you to all who attended and made this event a success. Together, we will continue to build a vibrant and supportive community that enriches the lives of every member.”Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Middlesex University and Director, Middlesex University Dubai added: “As always, it was a pleasure to connect with some of our alumni and hear their success stories, this time while enjoying some friendly competition. Many attendees reflected on how MDX Dubai prepared them for their professional success, highlighting the exceptional quality of education they received. The determination, camaraderie and great sportsmanship displayed throughout the tournament is a testament to their characters, and I am so proud to have played a part in their journey. We hope to have many more alumni events in the near future!”What’s next?In line with our mission to strengthen alumni connections, we have created an official LinkedIn Alumni group. This group aims to facilitate ongoing networking and support among alumni. Join us on LinkedIn to stay connected and find out what our next alumni event will be.