Celebrating Excellence: The KT+150 Recognition
The Khaleej Times KT+150 2025 list spotlights 150 of the UAE’s most dynamic under‑30 achievers. Middlesex University Dubai (MDX) is proud that six of its own students earned a place on this prestigious roster, showcasing the university’s commitment to nurturing innovation and academic distinction across the Kingdom. The success of these students reflects a broader culture of curiosity and excellence that MDX strives to embed in every program.
Who Are the Featured Students?
- Professor Muhammad Siraj Bilal – Recognised in Artificial Intelligence, showcasing cutting‑edge work in machine learning and data‑driven solutions.
- Afrin Fathima Razvi – Honoured in Education, underlining innovative teaching and learning strategies.
- Sai Prasanthi Prasanna – Awarded in Fashion, for her design work showcased at the Icon Show 2025.
- Aman Mishra – Commended in Software & Web Development, developing user‑centric digital products.
- Aisha Nasser – Celebrated in Sports, with a string of athletic accolades.
- Farhan Firoz – Recognised in Sports for both performance and coaching contributions.
Three of these brilliant minds—Siraj Bilal, Afrin Razvi, and Aman Mishra—are active participants in the MDX Innovation Hub (MIH). The MIH, inaugurated in March 2024, is the campus’s pulse for entrepreneurship, research, and emerging technology.
How Innovation Weaves Into the Student Experience
MDX Dubai offers more than traditional classroom hours. The university’s academic ecosystem is supported by dedicated labs, industry‑partnered projects, and a culture that rewards experimentation. Below are key ways that students find practical learning and real‑world impact.
1. Hands‑On Labs and Co‑Creation Spaces
The RoboTechX Lab brings robotics, automation, and AI to life. Students like Aman Mishra frequently cite the lab’s mentorship and access to tools—such as 3D printers and Raspberry Pi kits— as essential to their projects. Likewise, the Cyber Security & Digital Forensics cohort routinely engages in hackathons and real‑time threat‑response simulations that sharpen their problem‑solving skills.
2. Industry Collaborations and Live Projects
Strategic partnerships with firms such as Falcon Eye Drones allow students to test new technologies in operational contexts. Farhan Firoz leveraged such collaborations through the university’s Student–Athlete Program, guiding peers on training regimens while integrating data analytics to track performance.
3. Global Exposure Through Events
MDX participates in regional and international festivals, from the Dubai Design Week to the Ikon Show. These events provide students an arena to exhibit their work, meet industry leaders, and receive feedback that feeds back into curricula. The success of Sai Prasanthi Prasanna at the Icon Show showcases how curriculum and extracurricular opportunities merge to produce award‑winning outputs.
Learning Paths That Build Tomorrow’s Leaders
Across its programs, MDX emphasises research, project‑based learning, and global networks. Whether you are drawn to artificial intelligence, digital forensics, fashion, or sports performance, the university’s accredited courses equip students with both theory and practical application.
BS (Hons) Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
Siraj Bilal’s work—focused on machine‑learning algorithms for sustainable energy solutions—illustrates the curriculum’s depth. The degree integrates core AI theory with industry projects like smart‑grid optimisation and predictive maintenance models.
BA (Hons) Education Studies
Razvi leverages her degree to develop culturally responsive teaching materials that support diverse learners in UAE schools. The program blends pedagogy, curriculum design, and policy analysis, fostering graduates ready to lead change.
BA (Hons) Fashion
Prasanna’s runway success, accompanied by a portfolio that marries local heritage with contemporary design, owes to the program’s studio‑based work and industry‑led critiques from visiting designers.
BSc (Hons) Information Technology
Mishra’s journey, from concept to deployment of a user‑friendly mobile app for a local NGO, showcases how IT courses at MDX integrate agile frameworks, UX research, and deployment pipelines.
Sports & Performance Science
Aisha Nasser and Farhan Firoz demonstrate how MDX’s sports science curriculum marries physiological assessment with technology‑driven analytics, providing athletes with quantifiable performance data.
Why MDX Dubai Stands Out In The UAE
- UK‑Accredited Curriculum – MDX’s programs are aligned with UK quality assurance, ensuring global relevance and employability.
- Khora City Campus – A modern learning environment that supports collaborative workspaces, advanced labs, and student well‑being services.
- Recognition from KHDA – The Knowledge and Human Development Authority’s 5‑Star rating confirms top‑tier academic and student support services.
- Active Alumni Network – Graduates across the UAE provide mentorship, internship placement, and industry connections.
Action Steps for Aspiring Students
Those inspired by the achievements of these students can take the following steps to pursue a similar path at MDX:
- Submit your application today – our admissions portal allows you to explore programs that match your interests.
- Visit the MDX Innovation Hub website to learn how you can be part of entrepreneurship projects and incubators.
- Explore our cyber security courses and join workshops that partner with industry labs.
- Attend open days and campus tours to see the infrastructure and meet faculty.
- Connect with current students on Instagram and LinkedIn to get first‑hand insights into the student experience.
By embracing the opportunities MDX provides—from research labs and industry collaborations to a curriculum that pushes the boundaries of knowledge—students can establish themselves as the UAE’s next generation of young talents.
In Conclusion
The recognition of six MDX Dubai students in the Khaleej Times KT+150 2025 list is more than a personal achievement; it is a testament to the university’s culture of innovation, excellence, and global‑ready education. Whether you’re looking to study artificial intelligence, design, sports science, or any other field, MDX Dubai equips you with the skills, networks, and platform to make an impact. Join MDX Dubai, become part of a thriving community, and pursue your potential.
