YOUR FUTURE STARTS TODAY

This year, our graduation ceremonies will take place in the stunning Atlantis, The Palm hotel - the most iconic backdrop for cap and gown photos!

We can’t wait to see all of our graduates walk across the stage and receive their hard-earned UK degree. 

You can find all of the details including: ceremony timings, how to purchase and collect tickets, parking, photography and what to bring on the day via the link below. 

Congratulations, Class of 2024!

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.

On 15 January 2025, the global Middlesex University community came together to celebrate the inauguration of our Vice-Chancellor Professor Shân Wareing at our home campus in London.

During her inaugural speech, Professor Shân shared her vision for Middlesex University, and its vital role in the global educational landscape. She spoke passionately about the university’s long-standing legacy of transforming lives both locally and internationally, while outlining her strategic goals for the future.

Professor Shân highlighted the crucial role higher education plays in shaping individuals and communities. She expressed her commitment to further enhancing the student experience, ensuring that students receive the support, knowledge, and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly globalised world. As she stated, “Our vision is to transform outcomes for individual students and the communities we serve. University is both an individual and public good from which we all benefit. It underpins prosperity, supports culture and the arts, and strengthens the UK’s global reputation.”

Professor Shân’s vision perfectly complements the mission of Middlesex University Dubai, which is committed to providing an inclusive and forward-thinking educational experience. Her leadership prioritises fostering innovation, supporting global partnerships, and creating valuable opportunities for students to excel both academically, and professionally.

With a growing international student community and strong industry relationships, Middlesex University Dubai is well positioned to equip students with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in their careers. Under Professor Shân’s leadership, the university will continue to enhance its legacy of excellence, reinforcing its position as a leader in delivering top quality UK education.

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai have been highlighted in a report by the British Council for its high educational standards, excellent student services, alignment of programmes with Dubai's emerging needs, and focus on enhancing the student experience.

The report, which was delivered by Times Higher Education, was officially launched on 15 January 2025 at MDX Dubai’s campus in Dubai Knowledge Park.

The report, titled "Examining Sustainability of Transnational Education (TNE) Partnerships in Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE” focuses on the UAE’s evolving role in the global higher education landscape and emphasises the importance of international partnerships in shaping the future of education.

The session gathered distinguished speakers from universities across the UAE, professors, and key educational institutions to explore the findings and discuss the future of sustainable TNE collaborations.

The event consisted of a series of panel discussions on relevant topics addressing TNE sustainability frameworks, alumni stories of UK TNE alumni in the UAE, and a session on the UAE’s vision for higher education partnerships and strategic opportunities.
Attended by prominent names from the sector including Martin Daltry OBE, UAE Country Director, British Council; Vicki Stott, CEO, Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education; Dr Nitesh Sughnani, Director of Higher Education, KHDA; and Hussein Al Shamaa, Director of Compliance and Licensing, RAK Department of Knowledge.

Key insights were shared on the operationalisation of sustainable TNE frameworks, alumni experiences, and the UAE’s strategic vision for international partnerships. The discussion focused on building equitable partnerships, co-created by all parties involved, and the need for increased knowledge-sharing opportunities.

Report Insights and Findings

The report highlights the UAE’s significant role in transnational education, with 21,825 students enrolled in UK TNE programmes in 2022-23. The UAE continues to serve as a prominent destination for international education, driven by its thriving economy, strategic economic diversification, and its focus on Emirati employability. With a growing demand for postgraduate education, the country saw 10,380 postgraduate students in 2022-23. Notably, 38% of postgraduate students in the UAE opted for flexible learning formats, reflecting the increasing demand for accessible education options.

Insights from the report also highlight that over the past two decades, particularly in Dubai, the UAE has become a key regional and global hub for transnational education (TNE), hosting over 237,000 international students in 2023. Dubai alone hosts nine UK IBCs, spanning both comprehensive and single-discipline offerings.

Commenting on the launch of the report, Martin Daltry, British Council Country Director UAE said: “The findings from this report underscore the UAE's growing role as a regional leader in education and its expanding TNE enrolments. The British Council is committed to fostering sustainable TNE partnerships, ensuring that UAE continues to thrive as a hub for global education. The UAE’s strategic investment in education and its focus on diversifying its economy through education plays a crucial role in attracting international talent, driving innovation, and boosting student employability.

MDX Dubai is categorised as TNE, as its home campus is based in Hendon, London. In the report, MDX Dubai has been recognised as one of the largest international branch campuses in the UAE, with a focus on student experience, effective international recruitment practices, and a broad range of programme offerings aligned with Dubai’s economic needs.
The report also underscores the University’s effective international recruitment practices and broad range of academic offerings, which contribute to the success and sustainability of the campus.

The report acknowledged MDX Dubai for its viability, driven by strong student enrolment, excellent student services, and alignment with the local market. The success of the campus is further supported by a focus on student experience, which includes a balance of academics, extra-curricular activities, and comprehensive student support. The emphasis placed on both academics and sports, along with an effective careers and employability service, also garnered positive feedback.

MDX Dubai serves as a positive example for other international branch campuses, showcasing sustainable practices that ensure financial viability while maintaining high educational standards and meeting the needs of the student community.

Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor Middlesex University and Director, Middlesex University Dubai, added: "Middlesex University Dubai is proud to play a significant role in advancing transnational education within the UAE, supporting high-quality TNE partnerships that address both local and global needs. As one of the first and largest international branch campuses in the country, we have consistently focused on financial sustainability, strong student enrolment, and offering diverse programmes aligned with Dubai’s economic priorities. This report reaffirms the importance of international collaboration in enhancing student experiences, bridging cultures, and contributing to a knowledge-driven economy.”

The full report, "Examining Sustainability of Transnational Education (TNE) Partnerships in Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE", is available to download.