Middlesex University Dubai: Transforming potential into success

Middlesex University Dubai prepares students for much more than just a career

Middlesex University Dubai is privileged to be located within the dynamic and forward-looking United Arab Emirates. The Vision 2021 is to make the UAE among the best countries in the world and having a first-rate education system is one of the pillars. The University has been contributing to this goal since its inception in 2005 and was recently awarded a 5-star rating under the Higher Education Classification by Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in partnership with Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

Middlesex further delivers the best of UK education and makes it accessible in the UAE by blending it with knowledge relevant to local and regional areas.

The switch to virtual learning
The switch from in-person to virtual classes was sudden and I am proud to say that Middlesex and most educational institutions were up to the challenge.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said: "Never stop learning. Education shapes life and whoever stops learning, stops living".
Given the outstanding technological infrastructure for smart learning in the UAE, Middlesex University Dubai transitioned quickly to online learning by providing innovative teaching solutions through its virtual classrooms and other modern technological platforms to minimise educational disruptions. In just the first four weeks of the distance learning programme, Middlesex faculty delivered 4,000-plus live sessions with 53,000-plus instances of students joining.

This enforced switch to virtual learning has provided a platform for blended education to now be the norm. Middlesex is looking forward to welcoming students on the campus for the new term in September and supporting their learning with virtual learning platforms.

On par with international standards
The UAE authorities have emphasised that any rating system is as per international standards. Unlike any other country in the world, the education system in the UAE is welcoming to many other countries educational systems - UK, US, France, India, Pakistan, Philippines, and many more. Therefore the rating systems adopted have taken this diversity of systems into consideration. The KHDA Higher Education Classification has been developed in partnership with one of the top rating agencies, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

The diversity of students in the UAE is amazing. At Middlesex University Dubai we have students from more than 100 nationalities and staff from over 35 countries. Today, the UAE is one of the top 10 educational destinations for international students in the world. In just over a decade and a half, the range of courses and subjects that universities offer in the UAE can be matched with the best in the world.

Potential of dual degrees
Given that there are over 100 universities from multiple countries delivering in-person classes in the UAE, dual degrees between two different educational systems could become a reality at the local level. A student in business for example could graduate with a dual degree from a UAE and a UK university.

Going forward, technology has enabled access, not just for students in the UAE, but for faculty and experts in any part of the world. There will be more collaboration between researchers across countries and disciplines. The blended learning model of in-person classes and virtual learning platforms will boost learning as students can avail the best of both systems seamlessly.

Changing landscapes
I believe a higher education prepares students for much more than just a career and that is why Middlesex University Dubai focuses on giving our students a complete learning experience. This consists of providing academic excellence, volunteering and internship opportunities, participating in and organising sports and cultural events, and the opportunity to interact with some of the best professionals from leading companies. By providing the academic knowledge, critical thinking skills, soft skills, internships and all round personality development Middlesex University Dubai transforms the potential of each student into success.

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