During the 45th edition of GITEX Global, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 13 to 17 October 2025, Middlesex University Dubai (MDX) announced two landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The agreements, signed with Korean AI start‑up Redbrick Inc and analytics giant SAS, aim to embed cutting‑edge technology and industry expertise into MDX’s curriculum, reinforce student research, and expand career pathways in artificial intelligence, data science and cloud computing.
Why GITEX Matters for Academic Partnerships
GITEX Global is the largest technology and innovation festival in the Middle East, attracting investors, policymakers and leading tech firms. For universities, the event offers a platform to demonstrate academic agility, showcase research, and, crucially, forge partnerships that translate theory into practice. MDX’s MoUs illustrate how a regional campus can position itself at the forefront of a globally competitive skill set.
The Redbrick MoU: AI‑Powered Content and Innovation Hub
On 16 October 2025, MDX signed a joint agreement with Redbrick Inc, a Korean AI start‑up backed by the Korea Trade Agency (KOTRA). The partnership focuses on:
- Co‑developing AI‑driven content‑creation tools that can be integrated into MDX courses across business, media and engineering.
- Launching AI institutes and workshops, providing students with hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge platforms.
- Facilitating internships and research projects, creating a talent pipeline for UAE and regional employers.
The signing ceremony witnessed Pro‑Vice Chancellor Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, MDX Director Yeongmo Yang, and Redbrick CEO Yeongmo Yang, among others. Faculty members from MDX’s Innovation Hub (MIH) participated on the student experience and accelerator side, underscoring the campus’s commitment to applied learning.
What This Means for Students
Students enrolled in MDX’s AI‑focused programs—such as the BSc (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science—will gain early exposure to Redbrick’s suites of tools. The collaboration paves the way for joint projects, guest lectures, and shared research output. A notable outcome will be the ability to embed AI‑generated content into course modules, improving engagement and offering real‑world case studies.
The SAS MoU: Data Science, Analytics and Certification
In parallel, MDX secured an MoU with SAS, a global leader in analytic software. The partnership will provide:
- Free access to the SAS platform and industry‑standard licences for all students in the MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program.
- Joint SAS‑MDX certifications in Data Visualisation and Analytics by the end of the third year.
- Priority placement of MDX graduates in SAS‑related internship and recruitment cycles.
Led by Associate Professor Dr Krishnadas Nanath, MDX’s Insights Lab has already integrated SAS tools into several mid‑term projects. The new MoU will scale this initiative across the curriculum, ensuring students graduate with hands‑on expertise in tools that employers actively seek.
Enhancing Research Output
Both MoUs also open avenues for joint research. Faculty can tap into SAS’s data sets and AI frameworks, while Redbrick’s content‑creation expertise complements MDX’s existing research labs, such as the Digital Twin Futures Lab and the Social Psychology Research Lab. Researchers can thus co‑publish papers, bid for joint grants, and attract international exposure.
Impact on MDX’s Global Strategy
MDX Dubai has long maintained a vision of becoming a hub for industry‑aligned education in the GCC. The GITEX MoUs reinforce :
- Real‑world curriculum that reflects current market demands.
- Expanded professional networks for students and alumni.
- Visibility on global technology stages, enhancing the university’s reputation.
Consequently, MDX plans to extend the SAS partnership into additional programmes, embedding analytics tools across business, health and engineering streams. Redbrick will, in turn, explore joint accelerator programs that could launch high‑growth AI start‑ups from MDX students.
How Prospective Students Can Leverage These Partnerships
1. Choose a program aligned with industry tools. Programs such as the MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and the BSc (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science now offer direct access to SAS and Redbrick platforms, providing a competitive edge at graduate level.
2. Engage in research projects. Students can apply for joint research slots that provide funding, mentorship, and publication opportunities with SAS and Redbrick experts.
3. Attend industry workshops. MDX will host a series of webinars and in‑campus events featuring SAS and Redbrick thought leaders, giving students insider knowledge and networking channels.
Use the SAS Platform Early
Students entering the MSc program can sign up for SAS learning modules through the university portal. Apply now to the MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program and acquire early access to SAS software covering data mining, predictive analytics and machine learning pipelines.
Next Steps for Interested Applicants
If you’re prepared to enter a learning environment that actively partners with industry leaders, MDX Dubai offers a range of programs in AI, data science, cloud computing and cybersecurity—all supported by the fresh MoUs.
Explore the full catalogue of postgraduate options, or undergraduate programmes that are now enriched with SAS and Redbrick tools.
For more detailed information on how these partnerships translate into career advantages, submit your application today and be part of a future‑forward cohort.
Engage with the MDX Community
MDX welcomes prospective students to connect with current participants in these collaborative projects. Contact us to schedule a visit, attend an open day, or consult with admissions advisors. You can also join an upcoming event to experience MDX’s campus life and industry partnership initiatives first‑hand.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Tech‑Enabled Education
By signing MoUs with Redbrick and SAS at GITEX Global 2025, Middlesex University Dubai has positioned itself as a leader in delivering industry‑ready programs. These agreements not only enrich the curriculum but also create tangible pathways for students to engage with real‑world tech ecosystems.
As the Middle East continues to invest in digital transformation, MDX’s partnership model offers a replicable framework for universities aiming to bridge academia and industry. Prospective students should consider enrolling in MDX’s AI and analytics programmes to gain skills that are in immediate demand and to connect with a network of international experts.
For firsthand experience, apply now and unlock the benefits of technology‑powered education at the heart of Dubai’s dynamic tech scene.
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