Middlesex University Dubai Graduates Embark on their Exceptional Journey Towards Success, Guided by Inspiring Words from Pioneering UAE Astronaut
- Tuesday, 12 March 2024
2 March and 3 March 2024 were inspiring and exciting days for the MDX Class of 2023, as the students celebrated their long-awaited graduation ceremonies at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai. Over 1,000 graduates crossed the stage to collect their scrolls, leaving as official alumni of Middlesex University Dubai.
This year, the theme of each ceremony was exploration: both in teaching and in spirit.
Students in the second ceremony on 2 March had the honour of being addressed by His Excellency Dr Sultan Saif AlNeyadi, renowned globally as one of the first two astronauts from the United Arab Emirates, and the first Arab to spend six months on the International Space Station (ISS) and perform a spacewalk during the expedition 69. His Excellency was being rewarded with a prestigious Honorary Doctorate, which recognises the recipient’s significant contribution to advancing the UAE in alignment with the values of the University.
During his speech, His Excellency showcased the value of starting on one’s professional path without restrictions, and he took the graduates on a journey of inspiration and empowerment. His Excellency highlighted to students that through studying hard, he was able to qualify for a life-changing career, emphasising that the next UAE astronaut could infact be one of the graduating students of Class of 2023.
His Excellency Dr Sultan Saif AlNeyadi said: “I am delighted to attend the graduation of the class of 2023 here at Middlesex University Dubai. As we move into the future, the opportunities before our youth are vast and filled with potential. As the future builders of the nation, they need to seize every opportunity, to continuously work towards building a future that not only propels you forward but also elevates our nation on the global stage. I wish all students the best in their efforts. Let's work together to make the UAE known for its pioneering spirit and constant pursuit of excellence, creating a path that future generations can be proud of.”
The theme of exploration continued throughout the weekend, with another Honorary Graduate award for a prominent figure who holds a leading role in the advancement of tech and innovation in the region: Elham Alqasim, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Majid Al Futtaim Holding LLC. Elham addressed the students with another significant message on the importance of seeking out new knowledge as they move forward in life. Not only does she hold an impressive role in a major UAE company, but she is also an adventurer, who became the first Arab woman to undertake a successful ‘unsupported and unassisted’ skiing expedition to the North Pole.
Middlesex University’s emphasis on technology, innovation and exploration equip students to thrive in today’s competitive global job market and with necessary skills to meaningfully contribute to the advancing vision of the UAE and Dubai’s D33 economic initiative. The degrees awarded to the Class of 2023 during the graduation ceremonies covered a diverse range of programs, including Business Management, Marketing, Film, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Education, Advertising, Law, Robotics, Data Science, Cyber Security, Engineering Management, and many more prestigious, British-accredited degrees.
Shannara Lakshmi Kallakandy, a recent graduate from Middlesex University Dubai, earned her BSc Honours in Psychology and Counselling Skills this year and graduated in the fourth ceremony of the weekend. Her journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she enrolled in an International Foundation Programme at Middlesex University Dubai after completing her IGSCE. Now, she serves as a Marketing Coordinator within the university staff, collaborating with peers she met during voluntary work in her second year.
Shannara said: "Reflecting on my time at Middlesex University Dubai, I found that participating in activities such as volunteering at clubs and events like Halloween and breast cancer awareness initiatives enabled me to forge meaningful connections with students from various cultural backgrounds." She also highlights Middlesex University Dubai's commitment to preparing students for the real world and the dynamic job market, mentioning the value of career days in honing interview skills and readiness for professional life.
Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai said: “Each year, I have the honour to witness over 1,000 students walk the stage and receive the recognition they deserve for their years of hard work and dedication. The Class of 2023 will go into the world fully prepared to conquer any professional challenge that comes their way, and I am confident that they will make a significant and impactful contribution to Dubai and the UAE’s ambitious vision for the future in alignment with D33. It has been a privilege to award His Excellency Dr Sultan Saif AlNeyadi and Elham Alqasim as Honorary Graduates, as their astounding examples of leadership in the realms of innovation, in addition to their courage to push beyond the traditional boundaries of exploration, are truly inspiring messages for our graduates as they move forward on their exciting journeys.”
Middlesex University Dubai continues to lead the way in offering unparalleled education and unrivalled opportunities for students. Graduates of the University know that they have the skills required to flourish, and that the sky is – in fact- not the limit.
