Middlesex University Dubai’s First Youth Festival

DUBAI: Middlesex University Dubai’s first youth festival, that took place from Feb.15, 2009 to Feb.19, 2009, was highly successful which attracted over 300 students participating. The festival showcased the talents of Middlesex students across sports, drama, arts,?  singing, elocution and fashion. The festival, sponsored by Nestle Waters and Red Bull, was aimed at enhanced the students’ university experience – providing a right blend of academics and?  extra-curricular activities.

The events were held across different venues including Middlesex University Dubai Campus, Al Manara Sports Club, Insportz Club, and Al Safa Court, with the finale of arts performances at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Center in Mall of the Emirates.

In the Eastern Group Dance category, group â€?Colours of India’ won the praise, while Mohammed Raju won acclaim for solo performance in Eastern Solo Dance category. Accordingly, the group called â€?Dancing Souls’ won acclaim for their performances in the Western Group Dance category.?  Sarah Babiker gave outstanding performances and enthralled the audience by performing solo. The highlight of the evening was a pulsating R&B performance by Ash Hamman who sang some of his latest hits.

The fashion show had?  Urban/Retro, Futuristic and Wedding ensembles, with fabulous displays of traditional Asian and African wedding attires for men and women. Sarah Babiker won acclaim in Retro/Urban category, while Pooja Kotedia outshone others in Futuristic. Sayeda Rabia impressed the audience as judges alike by her creativity in the Wedding dress category.

In chess, Ogaga Odibo bagged the winner’s trophy. Trent Park won football who championship, while second position went to Archway. Red Lions bagged the cricket tournament trophy, while Royal Black was adjudged runner-up.

The Youth Festival was organized by Dragana Symons, the university’s student sports and social activities coordinator, along with the Student Social Club. Prof. Raed Awamleh – Director of Middlesex University Dubai congratulated the students and organizers and was impressed with the Middlesex talent on display and ended his speech by saying?  “We’ve got talentâ€?

Since Middlesex University opened its Dubai campus in November 2004, there has been an active strategy to establish and develop sport and recreational activities for the student body.

Middlesex University Dubai offers specific sport scholarship for students who have excelled in sport and contributed significantly to the sporting success of the institution.

On the social and cultural front, one highly successful initiative has been the development of the â€?Cultural Club’, operating for over six months under guidance and support of Dragana Symons. This student grouping recently organised a charity event for the World Aids awareness Day, where proceedings were donated to UNICEF.
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The cultural Group also encourages inter-cultural understanding by celebrating on campus the range of cultural and religious festivals like the UAE National Day, Diwali – Festival of Lights and Christmas that represent the region as well as the student body.

It is also worth noting that the Drama Club, which was founded one year ago, also takes an active part in student life. Currently, they are preparing for the Dubai inter-collegiate drama competition.