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Afrin Fathima Razvi, a Computer Engineering and Informatics student, secured third place in the same track. Afrin presented her innovative project titled "Intellectus: A Fine-Tuned LLM To Enhance Student Cognitive Performance, Foster Independent Reasoning, Reinforce Academic Integrity, and Mitigate AI Over-Reliance in Education." 

Afrin said: “The quality of the participants' research reminded me that innovation is all about defending your ideas against brilliant minds. It genuinely felt like walking into a room full of tomorrow’s inventors arguing with today’s limits.”

Layana Shunnar, a psychology student took third place in the Psychology category for her research project titled “Smoking Cessation for University Students." Layana said: “I appreciated the opportunity to attend and present at the competition. I enjoyed it immensely and would not have done it without the university’s support.”

The competition marked the culmination of months of preparation, dedication, and collaboration by MDX Dubai students and their supervisors, with special support from the university’s Office of Student Research, led by Dr Lynda Hyland.

Professor Fehmida Hussain, Deputy Director Engagement and Student Experience, Head of the Middlesex Innovation Hub, said: “At Middlesex University Dubai, we are proud to champion student research and innovation. By equipping students with the skills to investigate real-world challenges, we are not only shaping critical thinkers but also preparing future leaders for the careers of tomorrow."

The achievements at URIC 2025 reflect MDX Dubai’s continued commitment to academic excellence, applied learning, and the development of a vibrant research culture that empowers students to address the challenges of the future.

Attendees got an exclusive preview into innovative degrees such as the BSc Sport and Exercise Science, MSc Strength and Conditioning, complementing the successful MSc Sport Performance Analysis, each designed to blend academic rigour with hands-on experience in biomechanics, physiology, sports psychology, and performance analytics. 

Charvi said: “The DXB Super 6’s is more than just a tournament, it’s a celebration of community, and opportunity. We were thrilled to connect with cricket fans and aspiring students alike, showing how education and sport can work hand in hand to build promising futures.”

Applications are now open for all the sport programmes at MDX Dubai. Apply today.

The MDX Innovation Hub (MIH) at Middlesex University Dubai is a dynamic ecosystem dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students. Officially launched in March 2024, MIH provides resources, mentorship, and opportunities in cutting-edge fields such as AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and robotics. The hub connects students with external workshops, incubators, and competitions, empowering them to transform their ideas into reality and enhancing their prospects in the competitive global job market.  

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai has become the first university in the United Arab Emirates to secure accreditation from the Institute of Analytics (IoA) for its MSc Financial Technology programme.

The Institute of Analytics (IoA) is a globally recognised professional body for analytics and data professionals. It promotes excellence in analytics practice, education, and ethics, and provides members with access to professional development, certifications, and global networking opportunities.

The IoA accreditation affirms the academic strength and industry relevance of the master’s programme, which features key modules such as Python AI and Machine Learning for Financial Technology, Financial Markets, and Data Analytics.

Through this accreditation, students benefit from a direct pathway to IoA professional membership, along with enhanced access to industry resources that strengthen their career readiness and employability.

This achievement was made possible through the work of Dr Pallavi Kishore, Head of Accounting and Finance, MDX Dubai and Dr Nick Sharples, Senior Lecturer, Middlesex University London, whose development of the programme helped lay the groundwork for this success.

The MSc is a hands-on programme which blends practice with theory to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experience to pursue a career in the industry. Students will be introduced to blockchain technology, data visualisation and analysis techniques while getting an insight about the regulatory framework of the financial industry, as well as risk assessment and ethics of applying technology in the financial sector.

Aligned with the university’s commitment to excellence and career-oriented education, MDX Dubai has officially been granted its institutional licensure by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR).

As Dubai continues to grow as a global FinTech hub, this accreditation reinforces MDX Dubai’s position as a pioneer in FinTech education in the UAE and the wider region. Apply today.

At the heart of this mission is the university’s Institute of Sustainable Development (ISD), a dedicated centre driving campus-wide initiatives, corporate training, and impactful research. The ISD plays a key role in embedding environmental and social governance across all areas of the university’s work.

In recognition of its efforts, MDX Dubai was awarded the UAE Year of Sustainability Seal, highlighting its integration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into academic programmes, its circular economy initiatives, and its leadership in sustainability education.

Education for a Sustainable Future

The university has fully integrated sustainability into all academic programmes, aligning with SDG 4: Quality Education. Students graduate with the knowledge and tools to become the next generation of sustainability leaders, equipped to address pressing global challenges.

Further advancing SDG 5: Gender Equality, the university supports female empowerment through initiatives like the Tamkeen Mentoring Programme, Women in Mentoring (WIM), and the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), promoting leadership in Law, STEM, and Business.

Driving Climate Action and Innovation

MDX Dubai continues to lead on SDG 13: Climate Action, notably co-hosting Climate Law & Governance Day 2023 with the University of Cambridge and UNFCCC COP28, contributing to global dialogue on climate policy and legal reform.

Sustainability is also woven into student and faculty projects promoting SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Initiatives such as the Simply Bottles programme have prevented over 400,000 PET plastic bottles from entering landfills, while the Fashion Department’s upcycling projects turn waste into sustainable design.

Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

Student-led societies like the Green Wave Society and the Biodiversity & Wildlife Conservation Club foster a culture of environmental stewardship on campus. At the same time, industry collaborations are extending the university’s impact far beyond its walls.

Through partnerships with DHL, MDX Dubai provides ESG-focused training across 16 countries in the Middle East and Africa, supporting sustainable business practices and contributing to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. A joint initiative with Enviroserve has brought comprehensive recycling solutions to campus, enabling responsible disposal of plastics, paper, e-waste, glass, and cans, advancing the UN’s 2030 goal of 100% resource recovery.

The university also supports SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation through initiatives like No More Bottles, reducing single-use plastics and promoting water conservation. Meanwhile, research projects and outreach contribute to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 15: Life on Land. Notable efforts include marine conservation with Emirates Park Zoo and student research on turtle populations in the UAE.

A Holistic Commitment to the SDGs

MDX Dubai’s sustainability vision is not limited to education, it is a core principle that shapes the university’s identity, governance, and partnerships. With strong institutional leadership, transparent ethical practices, and community-driven innovation, the university continues to model what higher education can achieve in pursuit of a more sustainable, inclusive future.

We invite fellow educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to join us in fostering a more sustainable, equitable future. Read the report in full.