phd dubai

Eligibility

Application procedure, apply online, student loan providers, fee structure, visa information, important dates.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Research is an integral component in an institute of higher learning. BITS Pilani Dubai campus with its state-of-the-art research facilities offers Ph.D. programmes with strong emphasis laid on interdisciplinary, mission oriented and relevant research. Topics of Research can be chosen from any of the disciplines in which the Institute offers the First and Higher Degree Programmes or any interdisciplinary or allied areas as given in Page 23-26 of the higher degree prospectus. Click here for prospectus.

BITS Pilani offers Ph.D. programme in Engineering & Allied Disciplines under the following schemes:

Full-Time Ph.D (On-campus Ph.D)

Candidates registered for the On-campus programme will undergo the entire pursuit of their thesis on campus. Candidates admitted under this scheme will work full time toward their Ph.D. research and will not take any other assignment till the submission of the final thesis. The required components for On-Campus Programmes are: Qualifying Examination, Course Work, Teaching Practice, Seminar, Doctoral Thesis and Research Methodology. It is expected that the Ph.D. Scholar submits his/her Ph.D. thesis within an upper limit of ten semesters subsequent to passing the Qualifying examination.

Part-time Ph.D.

This unique opportunity is offered for employed professionals working in Industries, Academic Institutes and R&D organizations and having long experience and proven competence in various fields to work towards the Ph.D. degree. Candidates meeting the input qualifications and working in an organization, which encourages and facilitates research and situated preferably in the close vicinity of the BITS Pilani campus are eligible to apply for admission in “Part-Time” Ph.D. programme. The required components for Part-time and Off-Campus Doctoral programmes are: Qualifying Examination, Course Work, Practice Lecture Series, Research Methodology, Independent Study & Doctoral Thesis.

Ph.D. aspirant scheme

Candidates meeting the input qualification and working in an organization collaborating with BITS Pilani will normally be considered for admission to “Off-Campus” programme, also known as Ph.D. Aspirant Scheme. Such candidates will be allowed to pursue their research at their own locations of work. The required components for Off-Campus Doctoral programmes are: Qualifying Examination, Course Work, Practice Lecture Series, Research Methodology, Independent Study & Doctoral Thesis.

The BITS-RMIT & SIRE PhD Program

• Apart from the regular Ph.D. programs, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus offers the following new programs based on specific projects obtained by the faculty members in different schemes. The Ph.D. scholars will be recruited across all the campuses for the following programs centrally and guided by a team of faculty members involved in the project. The projects will be announced twice in a year in the respective portals. The recruited scholars will be provided attractive stipends and fee concessions.
• The BITS-RMIT PhD Program is a unique transnational program that allows to obtain a joint PhD, from two leading universities BITS (Birla Institute of Technology and Science) and RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology). The scholars will have an opportunity to spend a year in RMIT. (For details, refer the link https://bitsrmit.in/ ).
• The School of Interdisciplinary Research and Entrepreneurship (SIRE) is envisioned to be a virtual entity that promotes interdisciplinarity in Research and innovation within BITS Pilani. Ph.D. Programs: CDRF, SPARKLE, SOLVE & Ph.D. Drive, (For details, refer the link: https://sire.bits-pilani.ac.in/ ).

Eligibility Criteria For Ph.D.

The following eligibility criteria is applicable for admission to BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus: M.E./M.S./M.B.A./M.Phil. of BITS Pilani or its equivalent with a minimum of 60% aggregate.

Eligible Candidates will be required to take a written test and interview. The admission will be based on the performance in the qualifying degree, experience, test and interview.

Application Procedure For Ph.D.

The Application procedure for admission is listed in detail. Please ensure that you read the instructions carefully and submit all of the documents to avoid disqualification.

•  Read the Admission Bulletin 2024-25 carefully.
• Visit admission.bitspilanidubai.ae
• If you are a candidate for admission to On Campus Ph.D. Programme, sign up as a new user and select the “ Apply Now” link under the Programme “Ph.D. On Campus”
• If you are a candidate for admission to Part Time/Off Campus Ph.D. Programme, sign up as a new user and Select the “ Apply Now” link under the Programme “Ph.D. Part Time”
• Enter all the information required carefully and correctly in the online form.
• Ensure the correctness of all entered data before submission. Once you confirm the correctness of the entered information and submit the form, the entered data will be recorded and you will not be able to change it.
• On starting the application, you will be allotted a unique reference number and you will be directed to proceed for Application fee payment.
• You have the option of paying the fee online through Debit or Credit Card or paying offline either by Cash or Bank Transfer.
• Upon successful completion of online application fee payment, you will be allotted a unique application number and you will be instructed to upload your documents.
• In the event you opt for offline application fee payment (Cash or Bank Transfer), print the filled application form and attach the documents required. (Refer section 4 below) send the proof of fee payment along with Applicant’s name and Application reference number by email to [email protected] for the allotment of unique application number.
• Upon receipt of the unique application number, you can proceed to upload the required documents (jpeg or pdf format) and your submission will be complete.
• For candidates submitting the application and fee online, the system will generate a unique application number. You may note down the number for all future references. For those candidates who are opting for offline submission or payment, a unique  application number will be allotted and informed to the candidate by the institute on receipt of the application and fee. In all subsequent correspondence with the Institute, the candidate must quote this application number.
• Copy of Degree certificate and Transcript/Mark sheets of the first degree programme.
• Copy of Degree certificate and Transcript/Mark sheets of the higher degree programme.
• List of courses and syllabus of each course prescribed for the fulfillment of the Higher degree programme.
• List of prescribed text books for each course.
• Final examination question papers for each course.
• Passport copy.
• Outline of Proposed Topic of Research.
• Profile of your organization.
• Employment Certificate is required by the employer /organization.
• Consent or No-Objection Certificate from Parent Organization from Part-time candidates.
• Proposed supervisor’s consent and his biodata (for off-campus only).
• Consent of supervisor’s organization permitting him to act as a supervisor (for offcampus only).
• Nature of his association with the candidate’s organization if working in a different organization (for off-campus only).
• An amount of AED 220.00 only (Arab Emirates Dirhams Two hundred and twenty only) payable online by Debit/Credit Card or offline either by Cash or Bank Transfer (refer page 25 of Admission bulletin for details).
• Application received without application fee will not be considered.
• The last date for submitting the Application form is 30 May 2024
• Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Click here to apply online

Fee Structure - Ph.D.

BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus offers a very competitive fee structure.

Note: * VAT of 5% is applicable on this fee ; **VAT of 5% is included in this fee; ***VAT of 5% will be charged on the food cost of this fee; $ Refundable on graduation or on leaving the institute, after due adjustment for damages, breakages caused by the student, if any.

Self-funded Scholars: For the full-time scholars, 80% concession will be provided on their tuition fee of AED 12000 (VAT excluded)/ semester whereas 50% concession will be given on their tuition fee for the part time scholars and aspirants. This is subjected to the allotment of duties in the respective departments 6-8 hrs. per week.

Research assistants: applicants with prior research experience and excellent academic credentials will be awarded research assistantships up to aed 2000 per month for 4 years maximum. the tuition fee concession as specified in #1 is also applicable. research assistants have to support the institute in teaching theory and lab classes., hostel fee concession will be given for the self-funded scholars as well as research assistants., self-funded full-time scholars can apply for research assistantships after 1 year. the award of the research assistantships is based on their excellence in the performance after joining the programme., fee payment instructions.

The admission fees can be paid by any one of the modes given below:

• Payment by Cash: The fee can be paid by Cash in AED or USD at the Fee counter in the Institute.
• Payment by Cheque: Payment by cheque will be accepted only if the cheque is from a bank based in UAE. All Cheques should be drawn in favor of “BITS Pilani FZ LLC” and payable in AED at a bank in Dubai. There should be no corrections or alterations on the cheque.
• E-payment: We offer a secure e-payment facility to pay your fee. For e-payment click here .
• Payment by Telex/Bank transfer: Payment can be made directly to one of our bank accounts given below through your bank along with collection charges if any. The TT advice/receipt copy received from your bank must be sent to the Accounts department, by email ( [email protected] ), mentioning the name & application number of the student.
• Payment by Demand Draft: All Demand Drafts should be drawn in favor of “BITS Pilani FZ LLC” and payable in AED at a bank in Dubai.

Please note that the fee must be paid in full and any charges towards collection or clearance of DD/TT must be borne by the students. The Institute will give credit only to the Net Amount credited in its bank account.

Refund policy.

• Application fee and Admission Fee are non-refundable.
• Activity fee is fully refundable if the student withdraws before the date of registration. If the student withdraws within four weeks from the date of registration, whether the student registers or not, 75% of the Activity fee is refundable. If the student withdraws after four weeks from the date of registration, the entire Activity fee is non-refundable.
• If a student accepts the admission offer and completes the admission formalities but withdraws before the date of registration, 80% of the first installment of first semester tuition fee is refundable.
• If a student withdraws within one week of the date of registration irrespective of whether the student registers or not, 50% of the first installment of first semester tuition fee is refundable.
• If a student withdraws after one week of the date of registration irrespective of whether the student registers or not, the first installment of first semester tuition fee is non- refundable.
• If a student opts not to avail the hostel facility after paying the hostel fee and if the request for the same is received before the commencement of the semester, 90% of the semester’s hostel fee and facility fee is refundable.
• If request for not availing the hostel facility is received within one week of the commencement of the semester, 50% of the semester’s hostel fee and facility fee is refundable.
• If request for not availing the hostel facility is received after one week of the commencement of the semester, the entire first semester’s hostel fee and facility fee is non-refundable.
• Visa fee and Medical Insurance fee is non-refundable, if the same has been applied.
• If a student opts not to avail the transport facility after paying the transport fee and if the request for the same is received before the commencement of the semester, 90% of the semester’s transport fee paid is refundable.
• If request for not availing the transport facility is received within two weeks of the commencement of the semester, 50% of the semester’s transport fee is refundable.
• If request for not availing the transport facility is received after two weeks of the commencement of the semester, the entire first semester’s transport fee is non refundable.

Note: All refunds will take a minimum of 4 weeks from the date of withdrawal.

Visa Terms & Conditions

Terms and conditions.

• It is mandatory for all students to have a valid U.A.E. residence visa to study at BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus (BPDC).
• If the parent or guardian cannot sponsor the student or if the student is a non-resident of UAE, then the BPDC can facilitate U.A.E. Student Residence Visa ( visa ) under the sponsorship of Dubai Development Authority (DDA) through Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) subject to the submission and approval of necessary documents given in the student residence visa application form (visa form), rules & regulations of BPDC and Government of UAE (Govt ). As a facilitator, BPDC only co-ordinates between DDA and students for obtaining the visa.
• The visa is valid for one year and is subsequently renewable every year. The issue of fresh visa and renewal of visa are subject to the submission of necessary documents and as per rules and regulations of BPDC, DDA, DIAC, General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs Dubai ( GDRFAD ), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Govt. BPDC is not responsible for any delay or non issuance of new visa or rejection of visa renewal by the Govt.
• The rules & regulations regarding conditions for visa issuance of GDRFAD, MOH and Govt may change from time to time.
• The mandatory documents as mentioned in the visa form should be submitted on or before the scheduled date by the BPDC Admissions Department and/or BPDC Administration (Admin Dept.).
• For visa renewal either the student should submit the necessary documents on or before the scheduled date by the Admin Dept or at least 8 weeks before the actual visa expiry date stamped in the passport.
• Submission of invalid documents or non-submission of required documents or late submission of required documents, or delaying the visa medical and/or related formalities beyond the scheduled date by DHA / National Emirates ID Authority (EIDA) / Institute will lead to immigration fines and penalty. The student is responsible for such fines and penalty.
• Valid health insurance is mandatory. Students are required to undergo a medical examination as prescribed by MOH / GDRFAD in the specified Govt. hospitals after their arrival in UAE to stamp the multiple entry visa in their passport. The medical examination and the related process usually take 3 – 5 weeks. If any student is declared medically unfit by MOH/GDRFAD, his/her residence visa will not be stamped / renewed and the student should leave the country immediately after canceling the visa.
• After the visa stamping in the passport, student can travel outside UAE any number of times with the prior approval of BPDC. Student should not stay outside UAE for more than 180 days continuously after the visa is stamped on the If the student stays beyond 180 days, his visa becomes invalid and will not be allowed to enter UAE
• Visa facilitated by BPDC is for the purpose of education only and students are not permitted to work .
• Student should contact the Admin Dept at least a month before the visa expiry for the visa renewal.
• Student should pay 2,900/-* for fresh visa & related service fee. The amount paid towards fresh visa & related service fee is non-refundable.
• In case of students, who are a resident of U.A.E. on their own visa sponsorship and wish to come under the visa facilitated by the Institute by in-country & local amendment should pay a sum of 4,700/-* towards fresh visa and related service charges. In such case, the student is required to submit the original passport and visa cancellation paper immediately after the cancellation of the existing visa along with all other required documents to process the student visa.
• Students should pay a sum of 2,150/-* per year towards visa renewal and related service charges.
• The visa and related services fee include Dhs 280 /- towards mandatory EIDA Card** issued by Govt.
• The visa renewal and related service charges should be paid before applying for subsequent year visa renewal.
• The visa cancellation can be done only inside UAE by DDA through BPDC. After completion of the program and/or before leaving the Institute, the student residence visa must be cancelled by the BPDC Admin Dept irrespective of the visa validity stamped in the passport of the student. Hence student must complete the necessary formalities including submission of the original passport, EIDA card and payment of cancellation fees (Normal process AED 850/- with time frame of 10 to 15 working days) as informed by the Admin Dept. Students who have stayed outside UAE for more than 180 days continuously are also required to cancel their visa through Admin Dept even though the visa is invalid. Failure to do so will result in serious consequences as per rules and regulations of Institute, DDA, GDRFAD and Govt.
• Students should keep themselves updated about the rules and regulations pertaining to the terms and conditions of their residence visa as stipulated by GDRFAD.
• Student should abide by all the rules and regulation of the BPDC, DDA, GDRFAD and Govt. Non-compliance of any laws and regulation by various Authorities may lead to penalty including deportation for which BPDC is not responsible.
• Cancellation of Entry permit will take a minimum of 10 to 15 working days.

* All the fee charges as mentioned above for visa & related services are indicative only and or subject to change as per rules and regulations of the Institute, DDA, DIAC, GDRFAD and Govt .

** With regards to EIDA log on to https://uae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/emirates-id

In case of any changes in the personal information provided in the visa form, the student should notify the same to the Administration Department of BPDC immediately.

Important Dates for Ph.D.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR Ph.D. ADMISSION 2024-25

Call us  on: +9714 2753 711 (Dubai) +91 91 21 90 7799(India)

Write to us: [email protected]

Useful Links:

Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.)

Master of Engineering (M.E.)

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Call us  on: +9714 2753 711 (Dubai) +91 91 21 90 7799 (India)

Write to us: [email protected]

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PhD Psychology

Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus

+971 4 571 7000

[email protected]

Heriot-Watt University’s mission is to create and exchange knowledge that benefits society, and in keeping with this, our psychology research examines and offers solutions for many different global challenges.

The PhD Psychology is a 36-month full-time research degree conducted under the supervision of a faculty member culminating with submission of a research thesis.

Our research can help diagnose and support people with mental health conditions and improve cognitive and psychological health and wellbeing across the life course.

For example, it can help us understand how learners of different ages and with different levels of ability can be better supported, and show us how coaching, training and engagement can enhance performance, productivity or wellbeing.

Research in psychology at Heriot-Watt University is grouped by three main themes:

• Cognition, brain and behaviour
• Lifespan health and wellbeing
• Work, society and environment.

Accreditation

Read more about the UAE Federal Accreditation .

Entry requirements

Fees and funding, cognition, brain and behaviour.

Our brains and cognitive abilities develop from childhood through to old age. Research within this theme explores those changes in healthy children and adults, as well as developmental conditions, dementia and stroke. Research spans from language to social cognition, including memory, motor control and body representation. A strong aspect of this theme is theoretically-informed translational interventions, making use of state-of-the-art multidisciplinary techniques such as robotics and virtual reality.

Lifespan Health and Wellbeing

Issues explored in psychology are inherently linked to wellbeing across the lifespan, affecting fields from education to health. Research in this theme explores health-promotion activities in children and adolescents, healthy ageing and mental health issues in developmental conditions.

Work, Society and Environment

Findings from psychology can impact people and society in several ways. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, research in this theme explores behaviour in the workplace, assessing risk in the environment, and interventions to improve workplace performance.

All applications will be reviewed within the department with a shortlisting decision made based on qualifications, the suitability of the research proposal and the availability of a supervisory team. Applicants must have the equivalent of a first or upper second class honours undergraduate degree in psychology or related discipline. A masters degree (with a dissertation mark of 65% or higher) or relevant research experience may also be required. Applicants who are unsure if their qualifications meet the minimum criteria should contact [email protected]

How to apply

Please submit your application via the online portal with the three supporting documents listed below and your CV.

Please state clearly on your application that you are applying for a PhD scholarship and quote the relevant project reference.

Research proposal (1500 words or less) 

On the front page of your research proposal, please ensure that you state the relevant project reference.

The research proposal should contain: an introduction or outline of the proposed topic; a statement of objectives and/or specific research questions; a brief summary of some of the relevant literature which supports the research objective(s); an indication of the intended research methodology; an indication of the theoretical structure and/or conceptual outline; a provisional timetable of the major phases of the research process; results expected from the research e.g. practical value of the research or possible contributions to knowledge or policy or methodology.  

At this stage we are not looking for a definitive document but merely an indication that you have thought through most of the above issues.

Please note that work submitted may be subject to screening via plagiarism software.

Academic transcripts and degree certificates

Copies of full academic transcripts from all previous academic degree courses and copies of degree certificates for degrees already awarded.  If you are currently pursuing a degree course please provide all available marks to date.

If you have references available these should be submitted with your application.  If they are not currently available please ensure that you provide the names and contact details, including email addresses, of two academic referees on the application form.

Candidates should also submit a curriculum vitae.

Queries may be directed to  [email protected]

English language requirements

Where English was not the medium of instruction during previous education, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5. Other qualifications may also be considered.

• AED 95670 per year*

* All tuition fees inclusive of VAT

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See our range of degree entry, undergraduate, postgraduate taught and PhD scholarships and discounts .

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Important Dates

Doctor of philosophy in biomedical sciences program application form guidelines.

The online application form is the official and only means to request to enroll as a student at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. All fields must be carefully filled as per the guides provided. Inaccuracies may lead to disqualifying of your application.

Applicants are advised to:

• Read the entire application form before filling in any details
• Follow the provided guides carefully when filling the fields
• Recent colored photo (with white background in high-resolution format)
• Valid passport copy
• Emirates ID Card – front (if applicable)
• Emirates ID Card – back (if applicable)
• Family Book (UAE Nationals only)/Mother’s Family Book (UAE mother nationals only)
• Residency Permit (if applicable)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Undergraduate Degree Certificate
• Undergraduate Academic Transcripts
• Postgraduate Degree Certificate
• Postgraduate Academic Transcript(s)
• Results of English Proficiency Test (e.g., IELTS – Academic Module or TOEFL)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)* – General with Grade Average evaluation (if applicable)
• Graduate Record Examinations (General GRE) Scores Report (if available)
• Two Recommendation letters from the Postgraduate Academic Institution
• Employment Letter (if applicable)

*For applicants with a degree awarded outside the UAE, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) – General with Grade Average evaluation is required to evaluate the transcripts and have a standard GPA ( http://www.ece.org ).

You will receive an application number when you create a login account. Please record your application number and use it in all communication with the admissions team. It is the formal unique identifier of your application to MBRU. Please make sure that you apply before the stipulated deadline.

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interviews with the Admissions Committee and selected candidates will be notified of that decision at a later stage.

The application fee is AED 1,000 + AED 50 (5% VAT). This fee is non-refundable.

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Proficiency Healthcare Diagnostics, is an established network of accredited laboratories and radiology centres situated across the entire UAE, offering reliable diagnostic solutions for the professional medical community, medical centres, clinics and hospitals.

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Accuracy and efficiency work hand in hand to offer reliable test results, all in very fast turn around times. PHD is fully supported by a fleet of vehicles to ensure the fast collection and delivery of results across the entire region.

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Our extensive and ever growing test repertoire includes molecular and genetic capabilities, that confidently ensures, PHD remains at the cutting edge of new scientific discoveries in the art of medicine and offers a wide range of test choices to our partners.

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Our experienced and committed teams of laboratory managers, pathologists, medical technologists, Radiologists, radiographers, quality assurance teams and supporting staff are professionally trained to utilize cutting edge technology and effective automation.

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MDX student recognition in Dubai

Search the website, mdx student recognised for pioneering work helping older people in dubai.

4 April 2024

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Bushra promotes simple lifestyle changes which can lead to massive health benefits for people with metabolic disorders

A Middlesex University student has gained recognition for helping older people in Dubai make dramatic improvements to their wellbeing with simple lifestyle changes.

Bushra Ali Rizvi, a PhD student at MDX’s London Sport Institute (LSI), was runner up in the ‘Transformation Coach of the Year’ category at the recent Register for Exercise Professionals (REPs) ceremony.

She said she was particularly honoured because she said there are few Muslim women working in the fitness industry in the United Arab of Emirates (UAE). ‘‘I was the only one wearing a hijab at the awards, so it felt very special. There is a cultural gap, not related to religion, and I want more girls like myself to be involved.”

Catherine Hanson Farid, Director of REPs UAE who presented the award to Bushra, said on Instagram: “I was so happy to see your name as one of our winners. This is so well deserved. I have watched your continuous commitment to learning and growing over the years. You are one of our role models for the UAE fitness industry.”

This accolade, specifically for life coaches, nutritionists and personal trainers, was given to Bushra for her efforts helping older clients with diabetes in Dubai between 2021 and 2023. During this timeframe she gained a Masters in Exercise and Physical Activity for Special Population and Healthy Ageing at Middlesex.

Bushra explained that the climate and cultural norms have impacted the level of exercise in Dubai. The intense heat - temperatures regularly rise above 38 °C (100°F) during the summer – can mean many people often drive everywhere and there is a tendency to rely on house maids, so the population are not as active in general which increases the risk of metabolic disorders and diseases such as diabetes.

She implements simple lifestyle changes such as improving posture, meeting daily steps targets and realigning foot movement so people walk straight. The aim is that clients increase their NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), which is vital for keeping in check the side effects of taking multiple medicines and encompasses everything besides sleep, eating, or formal fitness exercise.

“I have seen many deaths related to these diseases but if people can make little changes in their day to day life, it can really lead to a huge difference to their health,” added Bushra, whose daughter is also studying Biochemistry at MDX.

“My clients think I’m going to make them run outside or complete a marathon, but I just want them to live healthily and increase their NEAT. I don’t go with massive changes with dieting, I’ll say ‘fine have a treat but reduce the size etc’. Too much dieting can put your brain under a lot of stress and it’s just not healthy and won’t work for long. I’ll always recommend wearing a fitness watch and monitoring steps because if you work from home even in a hectic day you may have just managed 3,000 steps (10,000 is recommended for adults).”

For her PhD, Bushra is developing national physical strategy to counteract metabolic syndrome for the multi-ethnic population of Dubai.

Dr Anne Elliott, an LSI Senior Lecturer in Sport Science, said: ‘Bushra’s deep commitment on improving the health of the population of UAE is reflected in both her practitionership and her academic life. Her Masters study on Diabetes in UAE was awarded a distinction. It was published and lauded and is being used to inform other practitioners.

“The development of her ideas into her PhD research moves her focus to metabolic disorder (MD), a growing problem across the developed world. If the role of physical activity to manage and improve MD was understood better, it could help the lives of countless sufferers and the medical systems that have to support them. Bushra’s enthusiasm, keen intelligence and focus means she will be a force in this field, improving health outcomes and using her research to change lives.”

Find out more about   Sports Science courses at Middlesex University.

• 22 April 2024

• 16 April 2024

• 15 April 2024

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Dubai floods and cloud seeding

By kirsty mccabe, frmets.

In April 2024, over a year’s worth of rain fell in just a single day, submerging the normally arid Gulf region and sparking tales of cloud seeding.

The rains began late on Monday 15 April 2024, intensified the following morning and the storms continued throughout Tuesday, affecting the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman. 

The National Centre of Meteorology recorded the highest rainfall in the Khatm Al Shakla area in Al Ain, reaching 254 mm in less than 24 hrs. Meanwhile, more than 142 mm (5.6 inches) of rain soaked Dubai itself, around as much as normally falls in a year-and-a-half at Dubai International Airport, where the annual average is 97 mm and the average for April is only around 8 mm.

Dubai Airport enjoying a light shower 👀✈️ pic.twitter.com/4g9pEf3RKg — Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) April 16, 2024

As well as affecting flights at one of the world’s busiest airports, motorways and homes were flooded, schools were shut, and people were forced to work from home. Sadly, the storms also led to over 20 fatalities with vehicles swept away by the floodwaters in the UAE and Oman.

This part of the world is characterised by long, dry spells with irregular bursts of heavy rain and flash floods, but 16 April 2024 may well be the region’s wettest April day on record. The Emirates News Agency described it as a “historic weather event” that surpassed anything seen since records began in 1949.

Clusters of storms

The culprit behind the extreme rainfall is likely to be a mesoscale convective system. MCSs are formed when a team of individual thunderstorms cluster together and cover a large area, from a few hundred to a few thousand kilometres wide, and typically last for several hours or even days, bringing heavy rainfall, hail, lightning, strong winds and even tornadoes and dust storms.

Dubai: Timelapse of the massive storm that caused a historic flood. pic.twitter.com/tackWMYJzO — Pagan 🚩 (@paganhindu) April 17, 2024

Roughly 4 or 5 MCS events occur each year in the Middle East, triggered by low-level wind convergence, moisture advection from the Arabian Sea, Arabian Gulf and/or the Red Sea, and a cold anomaly in the mid-troposphere usually caused by a cut-off low. An equatorward displacement and strengthening of the subtropical jet helps increase the lifetime of the system.

Back in March 2016 , a previous MCS event hit UAE and Oman, bringing over 240mm (9.45 inches) of rain and winds of up to 126 km/h (78.3 mph) to Dubai. 

A study published in Atmospheric Research analysed 95 events that occurred over the southern Arabian Peninsula from 2000 to 2020, and found that MCSs occur more frequently in March and April. The study also found an increase in the duration of MCSs over the UAE over the 21-year period, suggesting that such extreme rainfall events may be even more impactful in a warming world.

And April 2024’s flash flooding was certainly extreme, with so much rain falling at once that even the infrastructure and drainage systems designed to withstand these types of events simply couldn’t cope.

What about cloud seeding?

Luckily the storms were well forecast, up to a week in advance, showing just how important early warning systems are. However, the intensity of the downpours did spark stories about cloud seeding.

Yes, the UAE does have an operational cloud seeding programme, not a surprise given the predominantly arid nature of the region. Cloud seeding usually involves spreading fine particles into individual developing clouds that wouldn’t normally lead to rain. Small planes burning salt flares fly through the developing clouds, hoping that the tiny particles produced will act as cloud condensation nuclei and trigger the formation of water droplets and eventually rain.

But in this case, the clouds were part of a large weather system advancing across the region, and already predicted to produce substantial amounts of rain across a wide area. Any possible effect from cloud seeding would be tiny in comparison. So the tales of cloud seeding simply don’t make sense, and are a distraction from the most likely guilty party — climate change. The UAE National Centre of Meteorology later confirmed that no cloud seeding mission had taken place.

And finally, in case you’re wondering whether we get MCSs in the UK, we do, typically only once or twice a year when a plume of warm air comes up from Spain. 

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