Preparing to do Business in the UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Uniquely positioned within an eight-hour flight of 2/3rds of the world’s population, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the global business destinations many other Smith MBA students and I have chosen to study. During this course, we will have the chance to visit the two largest cities in the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in January 2020. From my perspective, I’m taking the UAE course to work on a cross-border, cross-cultural business challenge and develop global business savvy.
What makes a society prosper economically, socially, and culturally? The question is relevant in a broader sense as the United States prepares for the 2020 presidential election next year. Kicking off the year in Dubai, landing in the Arabian Peninsula at the start of the new year, is an excellent contrast needed to expand my world view. Beyond the striking difference in government structures, I look forward to learning about the multi-dimensional factors that have led the UAE to become a thriving nation with world-class infrastructure and extraordinary achievements in just four decades. The UAE international experience is designed to provide students with a rich understanding of comparative business practices and culture in a world region of considerable significance to global commerce. The themes examined include the business and politics of the UAE, the challenges of doing business in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the political, economic restructuring of the state, and the impact of government policies on businesses in the UAE.
Richard Mintz, Managing Director of The Harbor Group, visited our class this semester for a pre-trip overview of the UAE. His impactful presentation told the fascinating backstory of the formation of the seven emirates, myth-busters about social norms and safety in the middle east, among other topics. The UAE relishes in record-breaking with superlatives like the world’s biggest, fastest, and largest (insert development here). For instance, Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa; and Abu Dhabi delivers an adventure seeker’s dream with the world’s largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World. Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, is also located there. Traditionally known for providing the world’s energy, the UAE has made efforts to diversify its economy to reduce its reliance on oil. I’m interested in experiencing the ways the UAE is reinforcing its position as a world economic, commercial, and cultural leader. One of the insights in my pre-trip research is learning that the UAE is strategically planning to increase investment in multiple sectors, such as transportation, petrochemicals, tourism, information technology, telecommunications, renewable energy, aviation and space, and oil and gas services.
Looking ahead
During the trip, we will engage in a comprehensive list of business visits, cultural activities, and meeting with clients for consulting projects. Our tentative itinerary includes city tours of both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, presentations at the Burj Al Arab and Emirates Palace, and other visits to Qasr Al Watan and Sheikh Zayed Mosque, plus many more! I’m especially excited about our site tour of the Dubai Expo 2020, where UMD students get a glimpse into the 2020 World Expo. Finally, the learning experience is topped off with a real-world consulting project which will help us learn the context of doing business in a host country and aid in developing a global perspective.
The next time you hear from me, I will post my second blog during my visit to the UAE. Until then, Happy New Year! Ma’a Salama.
–By Tida Jarjou. Jarjou is a 2020 MBA Candidate and Dean’s Fellow. Jarjou is the Marketing Liason for the Smith MBA Global Business Course in the United Arab Emirates.