MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY DUBAI UNVEILS MDX INNOVATION HUB TO EMPOWER STUDENTS FOR FUTURE INDUSTRIES

Dubai, UAE – March 12, 2024 – Middlesex University Dubai has furthered its commitment to innovation and technology, launching the MDX Innovation Hub (MIH), designed to be a dynamic ecosystem that instils students with strong innovation and entrepreneurial skills.

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, with those enrolled in IT-related programs standing to gain immensely from opportunities in cutting-edge fields such as machine learning, AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and more.

MIH's commitment goes beyond the university premises, connecting students with external workshops, incubators, entrepreneurship competitions, and mentorship programs. These engagements allow them to stress-test and refine their ideas in real-world settings.

The official inauguration of the MDX Innovation Hub at the Middlesex University campus, Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) was attended by innovation experts and professionals from top UAE entities and universities.

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, 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, offering unparalleled opportunities for advancement and innovative project development.

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, meanwhile 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.”

As the MIH expands, the University will continue to empower students to take full ownership of their projects from the market research stage to conceptualisation, to ultimate realisation, utilising the University’s powerful network of industry connections, academic expertise and links with the global business landscape to give students the best possible platform to 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 how Middlesex University Dubai is paving the way for a more innovative, entrepreneurial, and future-proof career for their students: www.mdx.ac.ae/mih