Sporting Success Drives Student Life at MDX Dubai
Sport at Middlesex University Dubai is more than a pastime; it is an integral element of the university’s culture, shaping leadership, teamwork and wellbeing. Students from the campus’s two locations—Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City—participate in a wide range of athletic activities, from track and field to basketball, football, cricket, padel, martial arts and table tennis. The university’s coaching and support staff—including Manager Slavko Micanovic, Senior Sports‑and‑Fitness Coordinator Sasa Obradovic and Coach Farhan Firoz—work to provide a training environment that nurtures both elite competitors and recreational participants.
MDX’s commitment aligns with Dubai’s Sporting Agenda 2031, which aims to make the emirate one of the world’s most active cities and a new hub for sporting events. By giving students structured opportunities to train, compete and lead, MDX Dubai supports the city’s broader vision and creates a pipeline of future athletes, coaches and sports‑science professionals.
Record‑Breaking Performances in the 2024‑25 Academic Year
The most recent season set new benchmarks for the university. 31 trophies and 330 medals were earned across a spectrum of competitions, positioning MDX Dubai as one of the most successful student sport programmes in the region.
- Track & Field – The athletics squad finished first in the Amity Athletics League for the third consecutive year, captured gold at the Bits Sports FEST, and took the title at MDX Relay Night.
- Badminton – The team topped the RIT Racket Tournament, Watt Cup, Bits Sports Fest, Manipal Sports Fest and the Amity Badminton League.
- Basketball – Both men’s and women’s squads performed strongly, with the women’s side winning the RIT Sports Women Fest and men’s team securing first place at Manipal and third at the AUS Sports Fest.
- Football & Cricket – The men’s football team clinched the Amity Football League twice, won the UNITY Football tournament and placed third at the Ramadan Tournament. The women’s football side swept the Amity Football League, UOBDFootball and Manipal events. The cricket team won the Skyline Tournament.
- Padel & Table Tennis – MDX padel players topped the AUS Sports Fest on two occasions and finished second at Padel Pro. The women’s table tennis team earned a second place at the RIT Racket Tournament.
- Weightlifting & Powerlifting – Women’s weightlifting captured third place at the AUS Strongwoman Competition, while the powerlifting team achieved victories in both AUS and RIT contests.
Beyond team results, individual athletes delivered remarkable milestones: Aisha Nasser won gold in the Dubai Women’s Run, Essam Kokash became the youngest MDX athlete to finish a full marathon, and the MDX Relay Night grew into the largest inter‑university relay tournament in the UAE, involving 11 competing institutions.
Coaching Insight: The Value of University‑Level Sport
Manager Slavko Micanovic notes that participation enhances career trajectories and personal development: “Involvement in sport opens doors—whether it leads to a professional athletic career or simply strengthens a portfolio of leadership and teamwork skills. It connects students with a broader community and enriches the overall university experience.”
Academic Innovation via the London Sport Institute Dubai
To complement the practical experience, MDX Dubai launched the London Sport Institute, offering specialised degrees such as the BSc Sport and Exercise Science, MSc Sport Performance Analysis and MSc Strength and Conditioning. These programmes provide hands‑on training with state‑of‑the‑art facilities and partnerships with local clubs and industry bodies. They respond to rising demand for sport‑science specialists in the UAE and support the emirate’s drive to become a global sports destination.
Applicants interested in these paths can learn more through the Admissions Team or by attending an Open Day hosted by the university. The Institute integrates research‑informed practice, field placements and collaborations with professional sports organisations.
Engaging the Next Generation: From Student Teams to Future Professionals
MDX’s sporting narrative is a dynamic one: a blend of record achievements, academic expansion and community outreach. The university is building a vibrant, inclusive environment where students gain athletic expertise while also preparing for careers in sport management, coaching, performance analysis, strength‑conditioning and sports‑medicine.
Students wishing to join a team are encouraged to visit the Student Activities Office in Block 15 of Dubai Knowledge Park or reach out via Instagram @wearemdxsports. Prospective students interested in the London Sport Institute’s programmes can contact the Admissions Team or explore upcoming Open Days.
Take the Next Step: How to Get Involved
Whether you aim to compete at the next level or simply enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle, MDX Dubai offers a supportive ecosystem. Join a club, secure a coaching slot or enrol in a sport‑science degree—your path to sports excellence starts here.
Apply now for a sport‑focused programme
Want to experience the campus before you decide? Register for an upcoming Open Day and explore our training facilities and student services.
Contact admissions to discuss your sporting ambitions
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