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At 18 years old, I experienced the typical changes that most American young adults undergo. 600 miles away from all I had known, I was on my own for the first time and beginning a new chapter in life: college. Feelings of excitement, nerves, and pure fright filled my mind leading up to that first day. The transition was difficult, yet, necessary for my personal growth. This would be a year that challenged me greatly.
Despite the normal difficulties of social expansion and individual growth, my first year of college allowed me to push my limits. While a variety of memories flood my mind thinking about that academic year, one unforgettable experience protrudes over all. In January of 2018, I had the opportunity to travel to the United Arab Emirates with a cohort of students to learn about international business practices. Having never been outside of the United States before, I was unsure of what to expect- the Middle East is quite different. Nonetheless, I packed my bags and boarded the 12 hour plane across the world.
TRADITION & CULTURE
Arriving in the UAE was a culture shock, abrupt yet surprisingly refreshing. A variety of outings were organized by the university to ensure the cohort maximized this unique travel opportunity. First, we were invited to enter the Al Fahidi Historic District, one of the oldest traditional Emirati neighborhoods. The tour consisted of indoor and outdoor etiquette, along with explanations of historically significant traditions. Removing shoes and sitting on the ground with a pillow are custom traditions when gathering inside a home. A guide explained the historical significance of each food and drink item, specifically coffee and dates, placed in front of each member of the gathering circle. After small conversation, we were taken outside to walk around the community. Within the Al Bastakiya, the living spaces, common spaces, and religious centers modeled the hundreds of neighborhoods that made up historical Dubai. The houses were composed of clay, coral, and a wood that provided durability and sturdiness. Despite the close proximity between homes, the architecture made apparent the importance of privacy.
The second visit that aided in understanding the culture of Dubai was the souks. These open-air markets specialize in certain goods and are representative of the traditional marketplaces within the UAE. In small groups, the cohort visited the textile, spice, and gold souks. The atmosphere was hectic, yet peaceful. This paradox explains the overwhelming nature of the volume and crowdedness, yet the peaceful nature of a community personally exchanging goods. With no technology and little set pricing, the souks encouraged bartering, a concept far removed from capitalistic America.
BUSINESS
This opportunity gathered a cohort of business majors to explore international business, specifically marketing, in the unique metropolis of Dubai. This city, which was nothing but a dot on the map prior to the 1960s, is now a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The modern port and commercial hub houses a variety of Fortune 500 businesses and attracts leaders worldwide. I was fortunate enough to attend a multitude of companies to learn from CEOs and representatives about their business model and marketing strategies. Following is a small glimpse at a few companies that shared their time with our cohort:
- Nakheel Properties: innovative landmark project based company widely renowned for the Palm shaped islands (among others)
- Abu Dhabi Ports: developer of ports and industrial zones
- Coca-Cola Dubai: multinational beverage company
Final Thoughts
My two weeks spent in the United Arab Emirates involved a great deal of observing, listening, and learning. The opportunity taught me about alternative perspectives and cultural norms outside of my previously narrow American scope. The trip was a rewarding experience that has shaped me into a more empathetic, understanding, and open-minded individual. I hope, one day, I get the chance to return. Until then...
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