Strathclyde Business School's sixth Student Study Trip to Dubai took place from March 31-April 7 with 22 students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, undertaking a packed programme.
The programme included talks from MBA alumni Ammar Shams and Mohammed Johmani; and Jeff Strachan (Director, Dubai College of Tourism); Dr Scott Richardson, Dean of the Emirate Academy of Hospitality Management; and Steve Bushill (Dubai Women's College).
Faisal Jassem hosted the students at the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority and the students enjoyed a tour of Jebel Ali port (JAFZA) as well as a visit to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (talk and traditional lunch).
Another day's activity included a presentation and tour of the Tharawat Space/Tharawat Family Business Forum hosted by Farida El Agamy with opportunities for the students to talk to entrepreneurs and venture capitalists working with Tharawat. The study group took part in a presentation and tour of the Expo 2020 site and also of Emirates Catering.
Overall the trip provided students with insights into the history, culture and development of Dubai, the UAE and the Middle East, intercultural communications, doing business and enterprise in Dubai and the marketing and development of Dubai.
Undergraduate student Sarah Dunsmore said, "On our trip, we were fortunate enough to meet experienced and educated business women and men which was motivating. As a business student, it's inspiring to see that with hard work and determination you can achieve your goals. I also met a fantastic group of people, full of different personalities from various degree discipline subjects, who I will keep in contact with after the trip. Dubai is a place like no other."
Strathclyde Business School is grateful for all the presenters for their time and informative and engaging sessions - they all provided ample time for Q&A sessions.
The Dubai trip also incorporated a tour of the Burj Khalifa and the students organised a desert evening trip involving 4x4 dune bashing, camels, and a barbeque.
MBA colleagues Dr Ron Bradfield and Karen Ryan, who are based in Dubai, hosted the first and final days in the college and Heather Stenhouse SBS Assistant Faculty Manager organised and accompanied the tour. The tour culminated in the students presenting their learning back to the full group, invited alumni and MBA colleagues in Dubai.