A Word from Pro-Vice Chancellor and Director Professor Cedwyn Fernandes
- Thursday, 19 December 2024
In 2004, the university embarked on an incredible adventure with just 28 eager students, united by the promise of something extraordinary. Fast forward 20 years, and here we are, a thriving community of over 6,300 students enrolled in more than 90 programmes. As I write this now, we are one of the largest UK university branch campuses in the world outside of China!
As I look back over the years, I feel immense pride. Our story is not just one of expansion; it is a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and the opportunities that come from being part of something larger than oneself. A significant part of our success is rooted in the remarkable country we are privileged to call home—the United Arab Emirates—and more specifically, the dynamic, ever-evolving city of Dubai.
The UAE’s leadership, with its forward-thinking policies and unrelenting focus on innovation, has provided a fertile ground for institutions like ours to flourish.
We recently celebrated our landmark moment at the Burj Al Arab hotel, which was not a coincidental choice. From our campus in Dubai Knowledge Park, the unmistakable silhouette of the Burj Al Arab is always visible in the distance—a beacon of Dubai’s bold spirit and a symbol of what can be achieved with determination and creativity. For the past two decades, we at Middlesex University Dubai have aimed to contribute in our own small way to Dubai’s transformation into one of the fastest-growing hubs for higher education. The journey has been immensely rewarding.
The secret to Middlesex University Dubai’s success? It’s the student experience. Beyond academic excellence, we focus on career readiness, forging partnerships with over 1,000 organisations for internships and placements. Our extracurricular programmes, with 15 sports teams and 18 cultural clubs, provide valuable opportunities for students to grow holistically and build lasting connections while showcasing their talents outside the classroom. We’ve built a team of top-tier faculty and staff from around the globe, ensuring that the quality of education meets and exceeds world standards. Additionally, we place great emphasis on industry interaction—bringing industry leaders to campus for talks and workshops and organising field trips so students can gain real-world insights.
It’s this comprehensive approach—academic rigour, career readiness, extracurricular vibrancy, and industry engagement—that defines our success. At Middlesex University Dubai, we’re not just preparing students for a degree; we’re equipping them with the skills, experiences, and confidence to thrive in life.
We could not have done this without the continued guidance of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) or our partners at TECOM for creating a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere at Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) and Dubai International Academic City (DIAC).
Our Middlesex University London colleagues have also supported us over the years, and of course took the initial leap to open a campus in Dubai, realising the potential of the UAE as an education hub. Our thanks also go to our joint venture partner, Amanat Holdings, for their strategic support and commitment to our vision.
My personal gratitude goes to our 10,000+ Middlesex University Dubai alumni, who have been exceptional ambassadors for our university and are generous with their time, sharing their experiences with our current students.
And to our dynamic current students—enthusiastic, smart, and eager to learn and apply their knowledge—we are continually inspired by your drive and dedication.
I have had the privilege of being with Middlesex University Dubai for 15 of its 20 years, serving as Director for nearly a decade. Achieving our status as the largest UK university in Dubai by KHDA student enrolments is a testament to the immense contributions, commitment, and efforts often happening behind the scenes by our staff.
This is more than a moment in time; it is the continuation of a legacy we all share. And we look forward to the next chapter in this remarkable story.
