In collaboration with the MDX Mooting Society, the Department of Law at Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai hosted the 3rd edition of the Criminal Advocacy Competition on 24 January.The event, organised by Shahila Deena Bhoyroo, Law Lecturer at MDX Dubai, brought the drama of the courtroom to life, as 32 participants divided into 16 teams and faced off in a simulated criminal trial.The challenging case at the heart of the competition included key elements such as evidence, CCTV footage, and witness statements, pushing the students to demonstrate their legal skills and analytical abilities under pressure. The teams of two worked to present their arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and simulate a real-life criminal case.The competition culminated in an exciting grand finale, judged by distinguished guests Adam Wolstenholme, Managing Partner at Simmons & Simmons, and Shadha Zawawi, Arbitrator at Al Tamimi & Company. Their invaluable feedback and insights inspired the students to excel and made the competition unforgettable for all involved.Third-year student Shree Pragalbha and first-year Meghna Naveen won the competition after standing out to the judges with an exceptional performance on the bar. Second-year Afreen Ismail and first-year Sanan Khan also earned well-deserved recognition as the runners-up for their efforts.The competition highlighted the raw talents of the participants and emphasised the importance of experiential learning in legal education. By engaging in practical simulations of real-world legal challenges, students gained invaluable experience that will serve them well in their future careers.Want to become a part of MDX Dubai’s law department? Apply today. 

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 NahyanAs we embark on the ‘Year of Community’, we have the opportunity to actively embrace the integral role that higher 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 my own academic journey on a personal level.From the outset of my time in academics 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 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. Today's announcement of the UAE's Year of Community and the encouraging call for action provides a welcome opportunity for us to spotlight our mission and strategic alignment with the UAE's Vision 2031 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and our commitment to transforming the futures of our students and the communities we serve. Through our efforts, we aim to cultivate academic excellence and sustainable growth, while empowering 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 centres of excellence such as the Institute for Sustainable Development, MDX Innovation Hub, the Centre for Innovation in Human Experience, the Centre for Supply Chain Excellence, JURIS Centre of Excellence for Legal Education and Training, and the Social Psychology Research Lab, each of which play a pivotal role in advancing research and implementing practical solutions to unlock potential for inclusive and sustainable growth.In the spirit of going forward 'hand in hand,' Middlesex University Dubai commits to answer the call to “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 inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities.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 shared excellence, sustainable growth, and social well-being.