Last week, Middlesex University Dubai (MDX) marked a historic moment when Professor Fehmida Hussain, Deputy Director of Engagement & Student Experience and Head of the Computer Engineering and Informatics Department, completed the Dubai Future Foundation’s FEEL: A Disruptive Futures Programme. The ceremony took place at the Dubai Future Forum, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Professor Fehmida’s achievement is not only a personal milestone but a testament to MDX’s commitment to fostering future‑ready, innovative education in the UAE.
What is the FEEL Programme and Why It Matters
The FEEL programme is a four‑week intensive offering that blends theory with hands‑on practice. Participants engage with leading futurists, policymakers and industry pioneers, exploring emerging frontiers, moonshot innovations and foresight methodology. The curriculum covers a range of topics: trend analysis, scenario planning, technology scouting, and ethical implications of new digital ecosystems. By immersing scholars in real‑world discoveries—such as visits to Dubai’s innovation hubs and cutting‑edge labs—FEEL builds a bridge between classroom theory and practice.
For institutions in the Gulf, the importance of foresight training cannot be overstated. Rapid technology change, climate challenges and evolving skill requirements demand leaders who can anticipate, adapt and harness emerging opportunities. MDX’s partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation places the university at the forefront of these conversations, positioning it as an incubator for tomorrow’s innovators.
Professor Fehmida Hussain: A Trailblazer at MDX Dubai
Professor Fehmida has been a pillar of MDX’s educational ecosystem. As Deputy Director of Engagement & Student Experience, she shapes learning environments that celebrate inter‑disciplinary collaboration. Her leadership of the Computer Engineering and Informatics Department ensures that students gain exposure to the latest digital tools and programming frameworks.
Graduating from a program designed for aspiring thought leaders, Professor Fehmida now brings a strategic lens to MDX’s curriculum development. She has emphasized that “the future is shaped first by people and culture, then by technology.” This insight informs her work in designing courses that integrate social responsibility, ethics and cultural context with technical proficiency.
Key Takeaways From Her FEEL Experience
- Contextualise technology within societal needs – innovations flourish when aligned with human values.
- Embed scenario thinking into lesson plans – prepare students for uncertainty and rapid change.
- Collaborate across sectors – partnerships with industry, government and academia can accelerate research impact.
Inspiring Practical Applications for MDX Students and Staff
MDX can leverage the FEEL framework in several ways, and here are concrete actions that academics and students can take:
- Future‑ready Courses: Revise existing modules to include foresight case studies. For example, the Computer Engineering and Informatics programme could add a unit on AI ethics, using real‑life scenarios developed during FEEL.
- Innovation Lab Hubs: Create interdisciplinary labs where students experiment with emerging tech—AR/VR, blockchain, IoT—and reflect on long‑term societal impacts.
- Mentorship Programs: Pair senior students with industry mentors who are actively engaged in foresight roles. This provides exposure to real‑time trend monitoring.
- Community Outreach: Host public seminars featuring MDX staff and FEEL graduates to discuss future workforce skills and regional innovation priorities.
These initiatives not only enhance learning outcomes but also reinforce MDX’s position as a hub for innovative education in the UAE.
Strengthening Student Experience through Innovation Hubs
MDX’s Student Experience team has already begun integrating insights from the FEEL programme into campus life. Programs such as the Research and Business & Partnerships sections now feature collaborative projects with the Dubai Future Foundation and other local enterprises. Students participate in hackathons, sustainability challenges, and industry‑led case studies that mirror the real‑world context taught at the FEEL programme.
For instance, the recent “Trash to Treasure” challenge, organized by the Institute for Sustainable Development, exemplifies how students apply futures thinking to environmental stewardship.
How MDX Dubai Drives Innovation Beyond the Classroom
MDX’s alignment with the FEEL programme extends into research, entrepreneurship and community engagement. The university’s Academic Leadership actively publishes foresight studies on AI governance, rural digital inclusion and sustainable infrastructure. These contributions feed into national policy debates, reinforcing MDX’s role as a thought leader.
The MDX Innovation Hub (MIH) serves as a physical collaboration space where students, faculty, and industry partners incubate projects featuring emerging technologies. The hub also hosts seminars and workshops led by FEEL alumni, thereby creating a virtuous cycle of knowledge exchange.
What Students Can Do to Follow in Fehmida’s Footsteps
- Enroll in FEEL‑inspired courses or accelerated programs offered at MDX. The Study page lists opportunities such as the Postgraduate programmes that emphasize futures analysis.
- Apply for research assistantships with faculty working on foresight projects—this provides hands‑on experience and networking.
- Attend the MDX Open Days & Events, where specialists discuss futures trends and offer mentorship guidance.
- Submit applications for the Scholarships & Grants available to students pursuing innovation‑driven research.
Explore MDX’s Range of Programme Options
MDX’s diverse portfolio covers undergraduate, postgraduate and executive MBA tracks. Whether you are interested in law, media, or health sciences, the university offers courses that align with the future job market in the UAE and beyond. The Undergraduate programmes and Postgraduate programmes are updated regularly to reflect emerging disciplines such as data analytics, digital forensics, and sustainability management.
Next Steps – How to Stay Ahead with MDX Dubai
Students, faculty and industry partners who want to be part of the next wave of innovation should:
- Submit your application today and join MDX’s vibrant learning community.
- Follow MDX on social media for ongoing updates on FEEL projects and innovation opportunities.
- Contact the Engagement & Student Experience team for a personalised consultation to explore how futures thinking can fit your academic or professional goals.
- Participate in upcoming MDX Open Days to meet faculty, explore labs, and discover how the university supports student‑led projects.
MDX Dubai’s celebration of Professor Fehmida Hussain’s FEEL graduation signals a broader shift toward a futures‑oriented educational landscape. By embedding foresight into curriculum design, creating innovation hubs, and fostering industry partnerships, the university equips students and professionals to navigate the dynamic challenges of the 21st century. Stay engaged, stay curious, and let MDX guide you toward a career built on imagination, responsibility and creativity.
For more insights on how MDX is shaping tomorrow’s leaders, read our related articles or contact us today.
