Middlesex University Dubai hosts study visit from Australian National University
- Thursday, 31 January 2019
Middlesex University Dubai hosted a study visit for a group of 26 undergraduate business students and faculty led by Dr Andrew Bradly from Australian National University in Canberra. The group was welcomed by Dr Cody Morris Paris, Deputy Director at Middlesex University Dubai. After the campus tour, several Middlesex University faculty members shared their insights on key strategic topics related to Dubai and the UAE.
Rory McConnon, Senior Lecturer and Campus Programme Coordinator for the University’s Undergraduate Business Programmes provided an introductory overview about Dubai’s history, its diverse multicultural population, its attractiveness to international firms, the Innovation Strategy of Dubai, and the legal framework for international organisations. He shared examples of some of the best business practices adopted by firms in the UAE. Dr Heather Jeffrey, Senior Lecturer and Campus Programme Coordinator for Postgraduate Tourism Programmes provided insight on the Tourism and Hospitality industry in Dubai. She initiated an interactive discussion exploring why Dubai is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. She also explored the impact of EXPO 2020 on Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sector going forward.
Dr Sreejith Balasubramanian, Senior Lecturer at the University’s Business School shared insights on how Dubai has emerged as one of the leading logistics hubs in the world. He highlighted how Dubai leveraged its strategic location through the development of multimodal connectivity via air, sea and land. He also highlighted how Dubai’s innovative policy and technological innovations within the logistics sector have contributed to Dubai ports in improving its operational efficiency.
Following the lecturers and Q&A, Dr Sreejith and Dr Andrew facilitated an interactive session between Australian National University Students and third year MDX Dubai business students discussed during which each group explored the challenges and opportunities afforded by the business environment in Australia and the UAE. The group also explored opportunities to strengthen the ties between the two countries. Moreover, the interaction provided an excellent opportunity for cross-cultural learning.
Reflecting on the experience, Delfina Ferrao, Middlesex University Dubai Student Council Cultural Representative said “Till now, our understanding of Australia and their culture has been limited to the classroom. The interactive session gave us a real insight into their culture, the things we share in common and the business opportunities it has to offer”.