January 2009 - UAE/Dubai Trip

Two dozen students traveled to the United Arab Emirates in January, 2009 to study the "Business & Culture of Dubai." From their visits to the Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Int'l Financial Center, NasdaqDubai, and DP Ports, the group learned about the serious and progressive business climate of this 30-year-old country. A visit to an American firm based in to Abu Dhabi answered many questions about international business challenges and opportunities. On the cultural side, the frank and open Q&A discussions with Muslim guides at the Jumeriah Mosque and during lunch at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding challenged each of the business majors to look at Islam from a new perspective. Sleeping one night in a desert encampment, snow skiing down the indoor slope and bargaining for purchases in the traditional souks were all part of a fascinating and enlightening 11-day experience.