Talent knows no boundaries

Middlesex University Dubai recently held a week-long youth festival - its first - with more than 350 students signing up for 12 competitions ranging from sports to oratory, art and culture. The contests took place at various locations including the university's Dubai campus, the Al Manara sports club, Insportz club and Al Safa court. Sponsored by Nestle and Red Bull, the event finale and art competitions were held at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) enlivened by DJ Hamad on the decks. The initiative The festival was a last-minute initiative born in the student Cultural Club.

The idea was to do something big to unite Middlesex students of all nationalities by providing a creative outlet for them to express themselves, showcasing their talents to peers, friends, teachers and parents. "This is the first time I saw them really mingling together [Nigerian, Pakistani, Indian and Arab students]," said Dragana Symones, acting student activities manager, alluding to the fact that students tend to gravitate toward their own nationalities when making friends. "We are all proud of what happened last week. This was our first baby and we look forward to hosting an even bigger event next year," she said.

The festival sought to enhance students' life experience in Dubai, giving them an "opportunity to have fun and gain a real living experience," and build real friendships and not just stick to making friends on social networking sites such as Facebook, Dragana told Notes. However the event was not all about fun; it was also about learning important life skills such as "self-confidence, team spirit, negotiation and understanding of various opinions," said Professor Raed Awamleh, director of Middlesex University Dubai. The judges Each judging panel consisted of three people - a faculty member, administrative official and industry expert. Experts included a member of the UAE Chess Federation; a leading architect; local RnB artist Ash; an international dance choreographer and Sarah Ross, style director of Harper's Bazaar Middle East. Ross told Notes of her surprise at students' display of "bags of excitement and tons of creativity", particularly considering they did not have much preparation time. She praised the good atmosphere, mutual support and creativity of the students, saying: "Students put their own spin on it, creating some beautiful looks of diverse backgrounds," which came across well.

Ross said the judges were unanimous in their choices. "All the winners had a combination of a great sense of style and presentation. Their outfits were well put together and well thought out," she said. The talent Victoria Katheu, 18, performed a cover of Evanescence's My Immortal. Winning was not important for her, taking part is what counted. "I enjoyed it more than expected. I was nervous at the beginning but relaxed half way through," Victoria said. Her top moments were the performance by Ash and the fashion segment. Dancing Souls, winners of the western group dance competition, spoke to Notes after their performance. Manisha Lakhani, one half of the duo, said: "We've been dancing since we were little kids and entered for fun."

They choreographed their own routine and Arthi Bhagchandani, the other dancing soul, said she felt "we messed up a bit but had fun anyway". Sadiq Gwary, 22, was there to collect his silver football medal for second place. He found the show very entertaining. His favourite part was the performance by Ash. He performed well and had hot lyrics," said Gwary. Seyi Ojewale, 23, enjoyed the whole set-up. Performing a cover of Seal's Kiss from a Rose, Ojewale entered the competition because he wants to be famous. Ojewale, who was performing live for the first time, told Notes he did it because he wants to be a "star".

The Sports Winners

Chess:
-n Ogaga Odibo
Football : n First place: Team Trent Park
- Runners up: Team Archway
Cricket :
- First place: Team Red Lions
- Runners up: Team Royal Black
Badminton:
- First place: Badmintons n Runners up: Raqueters Volleyball:
- Team Knight Riders Basketball:
- First place: Team Middlesex Matadors winners in arts Best Eastern
Group Dance:
- Colours of India Best Eastern Solo Dance: n Mohammad Raju Best Western Group Dance:

- Dancing Souls Best Singer: n Sarah Babiker, performing Never Again by Justin Timberlake Best Retro/Urban
Fashion: - Sarah Babiker Best Futuristic

Fashion: - Pooja Kotedia Best Wedding
Fashion: - Sayeda Rabia