Middlesex University Dubai Unveils MDX Innovation Hub to Empower Students Future Industries
- Sunday, 10 March 2024
On 4 March 2024, Middlesex University Dubai reinforced its commitment to innovation and technology, with the official launch of MDX Innovation Hub (MIH). This initiative aims to create a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures strong innovation and entrepreneurial skills among students.
Aligned with the UAE leadership’s vision of positioning the nation as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, the new facility offers comprehensive support to students in transforming their business ideas into reality and enhancing their prospects in the competitive global job market.
The Hub extends its resources and facilities to all students, however those enrolled in IT-related programmes stand to gain immensely from opportunities in cutting-edge fields such as machine learning, AI, cybersecurity, and robotics.
His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and recipient of an honorary doctorate from Middlesex University, presided over the occasion held on the Dubai Knowledge Park campus, stating: “The Middlesex Innovation Centre is poised to enrich research and innovation landscapes in Dubai and the UAE.”
Highlighting the critical need for future-ready skills in students, H.E. Belhoul emphasised the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship to prepare for an era of sector-wide transformations.
H.E. Belhoul said: “In preparation for an era marked by transformative changes across various sectors, it is essential to empower students with the latest advancements and inspire innovative thinking. The world is in the midst of profound transformations, presenting unprecedented opportunities. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies and nurturing inventive ideas will pave the way for the development of high-impact and forward-looking projects.”
Further highlighted by H.E. Belhoul was the strategic collaboration between the Dubai Future Foundation and the newly inaugurated Innovation Hub in enabling a supportive environment for creative students, propelling them to excel and venture into the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship. This aligns with the Dubai Future Foundation’s commitment to championing and nurturing the next generation of innovators, facilitating a seamless transition from academic excellence to real-world impact.
Dr Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for our young minds to benefit from priceless access to world-class training, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences in business and innovation in a thriving ecosystem that encourages each individual to prosper.”
Professor Fehmida Hussain, Founder and Head of the MIH, commented: “We are steadfast in our commitment to align with the visionary goals of the UAE in advancing innovation and technological progress. Let us cultivate a community where creativity thrives, and breakthroughs are born, shaping a brighter future for many more generations.”
Utilising the University's extensive network of industry contacts, academic prowess, and global business connections, the MIH remains committed to empowering students, to take full ownership of their projects and succeed.
The MIH joins the institution’s impressive pre-existing portfolio of dedicated labs for future-focused degrees in Virtual Reality, Robotics, Film, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Cybersecurity, Engineering and more.
“Collaboration between academia, industry, and government is the cornerstone of a thriving knowledge economy, and our communities across Dubai foster impactful innovation by co-locating decision-makers and visionaries for the cross-pollination of ideas,” said Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group PJSC, on behalf of Dubai Knowledge Park. “With partners like Middlesex University Dubai, we are nurturing innovation – identified by Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ and Dubai Research and Development Programme as a key driver of long-term growth – to equip students with skills and knowledge that can meet the world’s future needs. We will continue to strengthen Dubai Knowledge Park’s ecosystem to enhance the regional knowledge economy.”
Discover more about how Middlesex University Dubai is paving the way for a more innovative, entrepreneurial, and future-proof career for their students at, www.mdx.ac.ae/mih
