On 11 December 2024, a group of students from the MDX Innovation Hub (MIH) had the opportunity to attend a field trip to Shunya Ekai Technologies, gaining firsthand insight into how cutting-edge technologies can be transformed into business ventures.The day began with a guided tour of Shunya Ekai Technologies' state-of-the-art office, led by Technical Sales Manager, Sajit Chandran. The tour provided students with a unique chance to explore the company's latest innovations, as well as engage in discussions on the processes and strategies behind these advancements.Shunya Ekai Technologies is a robotics company with expertise in building Internet of Things (IoT) devices, robots and customised smart devices to automate operations and solve challenges across various industries.The highlight of the visit was an inspiring workshop led by Chintan Sareen, Founder & CEO of Shunya Ekai Technologies. During the session, Chintan shared valuable entrepreneurial insights, emphasising the critical role of resilience in the journey to success. He spoke candidly about his own experiences, including the challenges he faced and the importance of learning from failure, he also took questions from the students and spent time giving detailed and helpful explanations.The workshop provided valuable business insights and offered a platform for networking and idea-sharing, allowing students to interact with industry leaders and peers. This event is part of a series of initiatives by the MIH to foster creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit among students.Looking ahead, the MIH team is excited to organise more thought-provoking events and workshops throughout 2025, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the fast-paced tech industry.MIH is the central community on campus for all education and research initiatives related to innovation and entrepreneurship, they believe that innovation and entrepreneurial skills are core competencies that all students entering today’s global, competitive job market should cultivate to stay resilient and make an impact in a challenging world.Innovation skills benefit not only students and their employability, but also the success of their organisation and the wellbeing of their community.

As the winter break comes to an end, Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai is gearing up for the brand-new semester starting this January 2025. New students are about to experience an exhilarating journey, joining a vibrant and diverse community of students from all corners of the world and becoming proud members of the MDX family.Meanwhile, returning students have the chance to reflect on their accomplishments from the past term and begin a fresh chapter, whether they’re advancing in to their second year or preparing to complete their studies.To ensure everyone feels welcomed and ready for the new academic year, MDX Dubai has organised a series of engaging activities kicking off on Monday (13 January) designed to help new students settle in and get a head start on their academic journey.Week of Welcome The excitement begins with the Week of Welcome (WoW) from 13-17 January, a series of exciting social activities, entertainment from fellow talented students, and workshops for them to participate in! They will also get the chance to meet sports clubs and social club co-ordinators, sign up for activities and engage with brands including Yogurtland and Booba Bubble Tea.Activities will feature at both Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City and will be a great opportunity to build new connections, explore new interests, and feel right at home at MDX Dubai.        WoW is what is considered Week 0 of the academic timetable, students have a specialised timetable and will meet faculty, connect with classmates, and familiarise themselves with campus. The regular academic timetable begins from Monday 20 January 2025.Student Support HubThe Student Support Hub is available to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition for all new students joining this January. The Hub is there to assist with any university-related enquiries. Students in Dubai can visit the Student Support Hub on campus for support with admissions, student finance, timetables, online enrolment, and more.International students can access online student support drop-in sessions on Tuesday 14 and 21 January from 2 PM – 4PM. This service covers important aspects like admissions and finance, student visas and accommodation, online enrolment, and other essential steps.TransportThere is a shuttle bus that runs between The Myriad Accommodation, Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) including during Week of Welcome. Please see the timetable here for more details.We also offer a complimentary Metro Shuttle bus that will bring you from the nearest metro station (Internet City Metro Station) to the DKP campus. You can find the timings here.Staying Informed and EngagedThe Centre for Academic Success (CAS), Library Team, Careers and Employability Services (CES) will all be available should you need them, visit their pages for more information. Follow @wearemdx on Instagram for the latest from student activities, sports and social clubs.Students are encouraged to stay informed by regularly checking their emails and the University's website for updates. With a packed schedule of activities and resources, the new semester promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for all.It's not too late to join our January cohort - apply today.

As we say a warm hello to 2025, Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai reflects on a successful 2024 filled with growth, achievement, and exciting new milestones. From groundbreaking academic programmes to vibrant student life and impactful community initiatives, last year marked a transformative period for the university.The year began with renewed energy as MDX Dubai ushered in 2024 with 50 students embarking on the first of three international trips in January this one to the cultural centre of Baku in Azerbaijan.February saw the University’s largest careers fair to date with more than 150 organisations on campus, providing students and alumni with various opportunities to network and explore openings and internships. Impact Club completed a ‘beat diabetes’ walkathon and a trip to the turtle rehabilitation project. Did you know the university has eighteen active social and cultural clubs?Four teams of students from MDX Dubai’s RoboTechX Lab participated in the second edition of Emirates Robotics Competition organised by Khalifa University, with one team taking home first prize in the ‘Manipulation’ category.Later in the month, the university hosted the Tabtakir 2024 an event in alignment with UAE Innovates, one of the world’s largest innovation festivals. The event showcased thirteen innovative projects by Computer Engineering and Informatics students, transforming theoretical concepts into tangible prototypes. In March, over 1,000 students graduated at the iconic Jumeirah Beach Hotel, collecting their scrolls and leaving as official MDX Dubai alumni. They were joined by honorary graduates His Excellency Dr Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, one of the first two astronauts from the United Arab Emirates, and Elham Alqasim, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Majid Al Futtaim, and the first Arab woman to successfully ski to the North Pole unassisted. Both spoke to graduating students about the opportunities that were before them, and how the alumni could forge their own paths with an adventurous and inquisitive spirit.  The MDX Innovation Hub was officially launched by His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, MDX Dubai honorary graduate and CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, reinforcing the university’s commitment to innovation and technology.Additionally 33 students headed to Tbilisi and the mountains in Georgia for the second international trip and a week of skiing. April saw the annual For the Love of the Planet festival hosted by the Institute of Sustainable Development and featured student projects focused on issues around sustainable fashion, food and design sustainability, and developing a circular economy.In May, the third international trip got underway with 50 students travelling to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in Japan, for an “overwhelmingly incredible and transformative experience”. The university hosted the Seventh Emerging Research Paradigms in Business and Social Sciences (ERPBSS) conference, bringing together hundreds of delegates from over 30 countries, emphasising the theme ‘Sustainability Revisited: Adapting to a New Global Landscape.’Student researchers won a multitude of awards at the 8th Undergraduate Research Competition (URC) organised by Abu Dhabi University in June. Students dominated in Education, Media, and Psychology, winning seven of the nine awards. The BA Honours Fashion students were able to showcase their work at the second annual Icon Show to VIP guests and judging panellists Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos and Yaser Albeer. The show provided a platform for the 17 talented designers to exhibit cutting edge collections on a professional catwalk in front of media, influencers and celebrity designers.Across June, July and August, young people from across 28 different countries joined the MDX Dubai summer camp, with students taken on a journey of specialist discovery sessions, academic skills workshops, soft skills sessions, and thrilling outings across Dubai.Over the summer the University continued to look forward with several exciting initiatives put into place.  A new MBA course with daytime delivery was launched, several other new courses begun including MSc Sports Performance Analysis, MSc Financial Technology and MSc Legal Technology, and new upgraded spaces were opened to enhance the student experience.September saw the largest ever set of students with more than 6,300 enrolling at the University in total, and new joiners were wowed by the annual Week of Welcome with student performances,  activities, and brand activations from brands such as La Roche Posay, Maybelline and Raising Canes. Meanwhile, more than 40 alumni and faculty joined together for an evening of friendly competition and connection on the padel courts in our alumni community reunion.In October the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 Women's World Cup Trophy came to campus as part of its tour ahead of the Women’s World Cup, held in the UAE. In addition, the third annual Language and Culture Exchange fair took place, bringing together students from different countries and backgrounds to connect and share knowledge. This was closely followed by a visit from Team GB sprinter Tommy Ramdhan who gave an inspiring talk on elite sport and how to overcome adversity.There was a series of outstanding achievements from the accounting and finance department, including second-year student Aston Noronha, who scored the highest mark in the world on the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants exam.More than 1,450 students and recent alumni were on campus for the annual Gradstock employability festival. The festival attracted more than 100 leading employers, including Emirates Airline, Microsoft and Porsche, offering students the opportunities to network and explore internship and job openings.November was a month for cultural exchange, as the university hosted its annual International Day, celebrating the diversity of its student body. Students showcased their unique cultural backgrounds through performances, food stalls, and exhibitions, reinforcing the commitment to fostering a global community. The university also celebrated its 20th anniversary in Dubai at the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hotel. The grand commemoration brought together distinguished guests, including university leadership, students, alumni, faculty, staff, partners, and key stakeholders.Visiting from London for the occasion, Professor Shân Wareing, Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University, spoke about the university’s strong collaboration between its campuses in London, Dubai and Mauritius, and the role MDX Dubai has played in shaping the university's global reputation, while Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Janet Jones awarded some key staff with well-deserved long service awards.Later in the month, Peter Cheese, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), was on campus and personally presented certificates to the graduates of the most recent CIPD course.As the year came to an end,  students began taking exams and heading home for the holidays. However, there was still plenty going on with Middlesex University Dubai in December, including the official launch of MDX LENS, a beach clean-up and an international law event.Across the year 1,300 students undertook volunteering at more than 300 events on and off campus. More than 1,000 students participated in events and societies, and 35 gold medals were won by athletes and sports teams.Looking ahead, the university has set ambitious goals for 2025, with the collective efforts of its students, faculty, and staff making it all possible. Could you be a part of it? Places are still available for the January 2025 intake, apply now.

The second International Conference on Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Equity, and Digital Strategies (SEEDS 2024) concluded its highly anticipated two-day event at Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai on December 18, 2024.The collaboration between MDX Dubai and Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, brought together over four hundred participants virtually and in-person from 28 countries, marking a significant achievement in academic and professional partnership.The conference featured an opening address from Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro Vice Chancellor and Director of MDX Dubai and keynote talks from Emma Barber, Managing Director, DGRADE and Dr Krishnadas Nanath, Deputy Head of Computer Engineering and Informatics department at MDX Dubai, who highlighted the importance of exploring solutions to foster sustainable growth and equitable opportunities in the digital age.With more than 250 high-quality submissions, the conference featured 170 scheduled paper presentations, with 76 sessions held in-person and 94 presented virtually. The conference's diverse programme covered 29 specialised tracks, offering a dynamic platform for academics, practitioners, and students to share insights on some of the most pressing global challenges. Awards were presented to the three best papers and the best paper for each track.In addition to the paper presentations, the conference hosted a hands-on workshop on AI Tools for Research, facilitated by Sony Sreejith, Business Lecturer, MDX Dubai and Dr Supriya Kaitheri, Senior Lecturer and Campus Programme Coordinator, International Business Management, MDX Dubai.The conference also served as a networking hub, where colleagues, students, and professionals from across the globe had the chance to build research connections, exchange ideas, and explore emerging research domains, all while enjoying a desert safari and gala dinner.Dr Sreejith Balasubramanian, Associate Professor, Head and Founder of the Centre for Supply Chain Excellence, MDX Dubai, said: “A huge thank you to all our speakers, panellists, attendees, and the organising committee; Dr Arpan Anand, Dr Supriya, Dr Nitin Poluru, Dr Sheldon Carvalho, Dr Shawn Matthews and our advisory board member Professor Cody Morris Paris.“Congratulations to all of our winners and I hope everyone managed to take something away for the future”.

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.- Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor Middlesex University, Director Middlesex University Dubai

On 11 December 2024, a group of students from the MDX Innovation Hub (MIH) had the opportunity to attend a field trip to Shunya Ekai Technologies, gaining firsthand insight into how cutting-edge technologies can be transformed into business ventures.The day began with a guided tour of Shunya Ekai Technologies' state-of-the-art office, led by Technical Sales Manager, Sajit Chandran. The tour provided students with a unique chance to explore the company's latest innovations, as well as engage in discussions on the processes and strategies behind these advancements.Shunya Ekai Technologies is a robotics company with expertise in building Internet of Things (IoT) devices, robots and customised smart devices to automate operations and solve challenges across various industries.The highlight of the visit was an inspiring workshop led by Chintan Sareen, Founder & CEO of Shunya Ekai Technologies. During the session, Chintan shared valuable entrepreneurial insights, emphasising the critical role of resilience in the journey to success. He spoke candidly about his own experiences, including the challenges he faced and the importance of learning from failure, he also took questions from the students and spent time giving detailed and helpful explanations.The workshop provided valuable business insights and offered a platform for networking and idea-sharing, allowing students to interact with industry leaders and peers. This event is part of a series of initiatives by the MIH to foster creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit among students.Looking ahead, the MIH team is excited to organise more thought-provoking events and workshops throughout 2025, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the fast-paced tech industry.MIH is the central community on campus for all education and research initiatives related to innovation and entrepreneurship, they believe that innovation and entrepreneurial skills are core competencies that all students entering today’s global, competitive job market should cultivate to stay resilient and make an impact in a challenging world.Innovation skills benefit not only students and their employability, but also the success of their organisation and the wellbeing of their community.

As the winter break comes to an end, Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai is gearing up for the brand-new semester starting this January 2025. New students are about to experience an exhilarating journey, joining a vibrant and diverse community of students from all corners of the world and becoming proud members of the MDX family.Meanwhile, returning students have the chance to reflect on their accomplishments from the past term and begin a fresh chapter, whether they’re advancing in to their second year or preparing to complete their studies.To ensure everyone feels welcomed and ready for the new academic year, MDX Dubai has organised a series of engaging activities kicking off on Monday (13 January) designed to help new students settle in and get a head start on their academic journey.Week of Welcome The excitement begins with the Week of Welcome (WoW) from 13-17 January, a series of exciting social activities, entertainment from fellow talented students, and workshops for them to participate in! They will also get the chance to meet sports clubs and social club co-ordinators, sign up for activities and engage with brands including Yogurtland and Booba Bubble Tea.Activities will feature at both Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City and will be a great opportunity to build new connections, explore new interests, and feel right at home at MDX Dubai.        WoW is what is considered Week 0 of the academic timetable, students have a specialised timetable and will meet faculty, connect with classmates, and familiarise themselves with campus. The regular academic timetable begins from Monday 20 January 2025.Student Support HubThe Student Support Hub is available to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition for all new students joining this January. The Hub is there to assist with any university-related enquiries. Students in Dubai can visit the Student Support Hub on campus for support with admissions, student finance, timetables, online enrolment, and more.International students can access online student support drop-in sessions on Tuesday 14 and 21 January from 2 PM – 4PM. This service covers important aspects like admissions and finance, student visas and accommodation, online enrolment, and other essential steps.TransportThere is a shuttle bus that runs between The Myriad Accommodation, Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) including during Week of Welcome. Please see the timetable here for more details.We also offer a complimentary Metro Shuttle bus that will bring you from the nearest metro station (Internet City Metro Station) to the DKP campus. You can find the timings here.Staying Informed and EngagedThe Centre for Academic Success (CAS), Library Team, Careers and Employability Services (CES) will all be available should you need them, visit their pages for more information. Follow @wearemdx on Instagram for the latest from student activities, sports and social clubs.Students are encouraged to stay informed by regularly checking their emails and the University's website for updates. With a packed schedule of activities and resources, the new semester promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for all.It's not too late to join our January cohort - apply today.

As we say a warm hello to 2025, Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai reflects on a successful 2024 filled with growth, achievement, and exciting new milestones. From groundbreaking academic programmes to vibrant student life and impactful community initiatives, last year marked a transformative period for the university.The year began with renewed energy as MDX Dubai ushered in 2024 with 50 students embarking on the first of three international trips in January this one to the cultural centre of Baku in Azerbaijan.February saw the University’s largest careers fair to date with more than 150 organisations on campus, providing students and alumni with various opportunities to network and explore openings and internships. Impact Club completed a ‘beat diabetes’ walkathon and a trip to the turtle rehabilitation project. Did you know the university has eighteen active social and cultural clubs?Four teams of students from MDX Dubai’s RoboTechX Lab participated in the second edition of Emirates Robotics Competition organised by Khalifa University, with one team taking home first prize in the ‘Manipulation’ category.Later in the month, the university hosted the Tabtakir 2024 an event in alignment with UAE Innovates, one of the world’s largest innovation festivals. The event showcased thirteen innovative projects by Computer Engineering and Informatics students, transforming theoretical concepts into tangible prototypes. In March, over 1,000 students graduated at the iconic Jumeirah Beach Hotel, collecting their scrolls and leaving as official MDX Dubai alumni. They were joined by honorary graduates His Excellency Dr Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, one of the first two astronauts from the United Arab Emirates, and Elham Alqasim, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Majid Al Futtaim, and the first Arab woman to successfully ski to the North Pole unassisted. Both spoke to graduating students about the opportunities that were before them, and how the alumni could forge their own paths with an adventurous and inquisitive spirit.  The MDX Innovation Hub was officially launched by His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, MDX Dubai honorary graduate and CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, reinforcing the university’s commitment to innovation and technology.Additionally 33 students headed to Tbilisi and the mountains in Georgia for the second international trip and a week of skiing. April saw the annual For the Love of the Planet festival hosted by the Institute of Sustainable Development and featured student projects focused on issues around sustainable fashion, food and design sustainability, and developing a circular economy.In May, the third international trip got underway with 50 students travelling to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in Japan, for an “overwhelmingly incredible and transformative experience”. The university hosted the Seventh Emerging Research Paradigms in Business and Social Sciences (ERPBSS) conference, bringing together hundreds of delegates from over 30 countries, emphasising the theme ‘Sustainability Revisited: Adapting to a New Global Landscape.’Student researchers won a multitude of awards at the 8th Undergraduate Research Competition (URC) organised by Abu Dhabi University in June. Students dominated in Education, Media, and Psychology, winning seven of the nine awards. The BA Honours Fashion students were able to showcase their work at the second annual Icon Show to VIP guests and judging panellists Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos and Yaser Albeer. The show provided a platform for the 17 talented designers to exhibit cutting edge collections on a professional catwalk in front of media, influencers and celebrity designers.Across June, July and August, young people from across 28 different countries joined the MDX Dubai summer camp, with students taken on a journey of specialist discovery sessions, academic skills workshops, soft skills sessions, and thrilling outings across Dubai.Over the summer the University continued to look forward with several exciting initiatives put into place.  A new MBA course with daytime delivery was launched, several other new courses begun including MSc Sports Performance Analysis, MSc Financial Technology and MSc Legal Technology, and new upgraded spaces were opened to enhance the student experience.September saw the largest ever set of students with more than 6,300 enrolling at the University in total, and new joiners were wowed by the annual Week of Welcome with student performances,  activities, and brand activations from brands such as La Roche Posay, Maybelline and Raising Canes. Meanwhile, more than 40 alumni and faculty joined together for an evening of friendly competition and connection on the padel courts in our alumni community reunion.In October the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 Women's World Cup Trophy came to campus as part of its tour ahead of the Women’s World Cup, held in the UAE. In addition, the third annual Language and Culture Exchange fair took place, bringing together students from different countries and backgrounds to connect and share knowledge. This was closely followed by a visit from Team GB sprinter Tommy Ramdhan who gave an inspiring talk on elite sport and how to overcome adversity.There was a series of outstanding achievements from the accounting and finance department, including second-year student Aston Noronha, who scored the highest mark in the world on the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants exam.More than 1,450 students and recent alumni were on campus for the annual Gradstock employability festival. The festival attracted more than 100 leading employers, including Emirates Airline, Microsoft and Porsche, offering students the opportunities to network and explore internship and job openings.November was a month for cultural exchange, as the university hosted its annual International Day, celebrating the diversity of its student body. Students showcased their unique cultural backgrounds through performances, food stalls, and exhibitions, reinforcing the commitment to fostering a global community. The university also celebrated its 20th anniversary in Dubai at the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hotel. The grand commemoration brought together distinguished guests, including university leadership, students, alumni, faculty, staff, partners, and key stakeholders.Visiting from London for the occasion, Professor Shân Wareing, Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University, spoke about the university’s strong collaboration between its campuses in London, Dubai and Mauritius, and the role MDX Dubai has played in shaping the university's global reputation, while Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Janet Jones awarded some key staff with well-deserved long service awards.Later in the month, Peter Cheese, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), was on campus and personally presented certificates to the graduates of the most recent CIPD course.As the year came to an end,  students began taking exams and heading home for the holidays. However, there was still plenty going on with Middlesex University Dubai in December, including the official launch of MDX LENS, a beach clean-up and an international law event.Across the year 1,300 students undertook volunteering at more than 300 events on and off campus. More than 1,000 students participated in events and societies, and 35 gold medals were won by athletes and sports teams.Looking ahead, the university has set ambitious goals for 2025, with the collective efforts of its students, faculty, and staff making it all possible. Could you be a part of it? Places are still available for the January 2025 intake, apply now.

The second International Conference on Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Equity, and Digital Strategies (SEEDS 2024) concluded its highly anticipated two-day event at Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai on December 18, 2024.The collaboration between MDX Dubai and Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, brought together over four hundred participants virtually and in-person from 28 countries, marking a significant achievement in academic and professional partnership.The conference featured an opening address from Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro Vice Chancellor and Director of MDX Dubai and keynote talks from Emma Barber, Managing Director, DGRADE and Dr Krishnadas Nanath, Deputy Head of Computer Engineering and Informatics department at MDX Dubai, who highlighted the importance of exploring solutions to foster sustainable growth and equitable opportunities in the digital age.With more than 250 high-quality submissions, the conference featured 170 scheduled paper presentations, with 76 sessions held in-person and 94 presented virtually. The conference's diverse programme covered 29 specialised tracks, offering a dynamic platform for academics, practitioners, and students to share insights on some of the most pressing global challenges. Awards were presented to the three best papers and the best paper for each track.In addition to the paper presentations, the conference hosted a hands-on workshop on AI Tools for Research, facilitated by Sony Sreejith, Business Lecturer, MDX Dubai and Dr Supriya Kaitheri, Senior Lecturer and Campus Programme Coordinator, International Business Management, MDX Dubai.The conference also served as a networking hub, where colleagues, students, and professionals from across the globe had the chance to build research connections, exchange ideas, and explore emerging research domains, all while enjoying a desert safari and gala dinner.Dr Sreejith Balasubramanian, Associate Professor, Head and Founder of the Centre for Supply Chain Excellence, MDX Dubai, said: “A huge thank you to all our speakers, panellists, attendees, and the organising committee; Dr Arpan Anand, Dr Supriya, Dr Nitin Poluru, Dr Sheldon Carvalho, Dr Shawn Matthews and our advisory board member Professor Cody Morris Paris.“Congratulations to all of our winners and I hope everyone managed to take something away for the future”.

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.- Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor Middlesex University, Director Middlesex University Dubai