International Day Returns to Middlesex University Dubai with a Global Celebration of Culture

The Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) courtyard was buzzing with life on Monday 18 November as students, alumni, faculty, and families gathered for the long-awaited return of Middlesex University Dubai International Day.

International Day has been a longstanding feature on the social calendar; celebrating its 16th edition, this year once again highlighted the university’s rich traditions of cultural diversity, as different nationalities came together for an afternoon of global unity, music, food, and dance.

This year, the university was not only celebrating a much-loved tradition, but also the 20th anniversary of MDX Dubai! Our branch campus was established in December 2004, opening for the first time in January 2005 with just 28 students. This International Day is part of a series of celebrations that will recognise the history, diversity, and cultural significance of Middlesex University in the region.

The courtyard of the Dubai Knowledge Park campus was transformed into a festival space with colourful flags and bustling stalls, with 36 nations represented by students from those countries.

Students took pride in showcasing their cultures through beautifully decorated stalls, offering an array of traditional foods, handcrafted goods, and interactive experiences. From the savoury spices of South Asia to the sweet delights of Latin America, the food offerings were as diverse as the community itself.

The official programme kicked off with the UAE National Anthem, a moment of national unity, followed by the Fashion Show, where students walked the runway in specially created attire that highlighted the sustainable initiatives championed by the university.

This was followed by a series of musical and dance performances from students, featuring bands from the music club who put on energetic routines.

Then it was the turn of the dance clubs, from Arabic and classical Indian styles to the high-energy steps of Salsa, Afro, and Hip-Hop, the performances captivated the audience. The Bollywood, K-pop, and South Style dances were particularly popular, with students cheering for their peers as they brought a global fusion of styles to the stage.

Our special guests this year included Vice-Chancellor Shân Wareing and Pro-Vice Chancellor Janet Jones from our Hendon campus, who spent the day exploring the campus beforehand. They had the opportunity to meet students from our key student initiatives such as the Student Council and the Middlesex Innovation Hub, before hearing an inspiring discussion from students from our Centre for Academic Success and viewing a showcase from our graphic design students.

This International Day event showed once again how MDX Dubai is a hub of cultural diversity, unity, creativity, and inclusivity.