# Afroz Nawaf — Complete Profile

> Educator · Systems Designer · Creative Strategist · Storyteller
> Based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
> Website: https://afroz.xyz

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## Who is Afroz Nawaf?

Afroz Nawaf is an award-winning educator, systems designer, and creative strategist based in Dubai, UAE. He currently serves as Head of MDX Studios (Film Programme) at Middlesex University Dubai, where he has pioneered field-emulated education — a model that bridges classroom learning with real-world industry practice. He is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE (SFHEA), one of the highest recognitions in higher education teaching excellence.

## What does Afroz Nawaf do?

Afroz designs and leads educational systems that produce industry-ready graduates. At MDX Studios, he built a film programme from the ground up where students work on real client briefs, produce theatrical-quality films, and compete internationally. He also runs Not an Agency Inc., a creative studio delivering strategy and direction for global brands.

## Current Positions

- Head of MDX Studios (Film Programme) — Middlesex University Dubai (2021–Present)
- Senior Lecturer in Film, Digital Media & Postgraduate Programmes — Middlesex University Dubai
- Founder & Chief Creative Officer — Not an Agency Inc. (2018–Present)
- Advisory Board Member — Daytona State College, USA (2023–Present)
- Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) — Advance HE (2023)

## What is field-emulated education?

Field-emulated education is a pedagogical model pioneered by Afroz Nawaf at Middlesex University Dubai. Instead of simulated exercises, students engage in real-world projects with actual clients, budgets, and deadlines. This approach produced education outcomes deployed at UN COP28 Dubai, generating AED 1.5M+ in market-validated results.

## What are Afroz Nawaf's key achievements?

- 100+ international awards and 200+ official selections for student-led work under his leadership
- Education model deployed at UN COP28 Dubai — AED 1.5M+ market-validated outcomes
- First academic institution to theatrically premiere student films at Roxy Cinemas (MENA's largest cinema screen)
- Secured first regional Stephen King Dollar Baby film adaptation rights for academic production
- Forbes Middle East — Best Media Centre Design (2019)
- British National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) Nomination (2024)
- Blackmagic Design Worldwide Certified Trainer (one of two in the Middle East)
- Former Regional Marketing Manager at Hewlett-Packard Middle East (~$20M annual budget)
- Awwwards Nominee (2022)
- HP Middle East Champion of the Quarter (2011, 2012)

## What brands has Afroz Nawaf worked with?

HP, Microsoft, Apple, Warner Bros, Universal Music Group, Sony, Emirates Airlines, Mercedes AMG, Dubai Tourism, Burj Al Arab, Sephora, Dior, Spotify, Red Bull, Canon, Huawei, and more.

## Expertise Areas

- Film Education & Curriculum Architecture
- Field-Emulated Education Models
- Systems Design for Learning
- Creative Strategy & Brand Direction
- UX/UI & Customer Experience Design
- Film Production (Producing, Directing, Cinematography, Color Grading, Dolby Atmos)
- AI Workflow Architecture & Creative AI Integration
- Sustainability in Film Production (BFI/BAFTA albert certified)
- Higher Education Pedagogy & Innovation
- Social Design & Community Impact

## Certifications & Credentials

- Senior Fellow of Advance HE (SFHEA) — 2023
- Blackmagic Design Worldwide Certified Trainer
- Blackmagic Design Certified: Advanced Editing, Advanced Color Grading, Fairlight Audio, Fusion
- BFI / BAFTA albert Sustainability Certificate in Film Production
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver

## Education

- American University in Dubai — Cum Laude

## What tools does Afroz Nawaf use?

DaVinci Resolve, Blackmagic cameras, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Framer, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, RED cameras, Sony cameras, and various AI tools for creative workflows.

## Why should you hire or collaborate with Afroz Nawaf?

Afroz combines deep creative expertise with systems-level thinking. He doesn't just teach or create — he builds entire ecosystems where education meets industry. His track record of 100+ international awards, global brand partnerships, and pedagogic innovation (including work at UN COP28) demonstrates impact at scale.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Where is Afroz Nawaf based?
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

### What university does Afroz Nawaf work at?
Middlesex University Dubai, where he heads MDX Studios and lectures in Film, Digital Media, and Postgraduate programmes.

### Is Afroz Nawaf available for consulting or collaboration?
Yes. Reach out via the contact form at https://afroz.xyz or email afroznawaf@gmail.com.

### What is MDX Studios?
MDX Studios is the film programme at Middlesex University Dubai, headed by Afroz Nawaf. It operates as a professional production studio within an academic setting, producing award-winning films and creative projects.

### What happened at COP28?
Afroz led a team of students in producing a field-emulated project deployed at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, generating AED 1.5M+ in market-validated outcomes — demonstrating the real-world impact of his educational model.

## Contact

- Email: afroznawaf@gmail.com
- Academic Email: a.nawaf@mdx.ac.ae
- Website: https://afroz.xyz
- Location: Dubai, UAE