Business Fellows spent two weeks in the United Arab Emirates examining the business practices and cultural differences that differ in international business.
Elon Business Fellows traveled to the United Arab Emirates during the recent Winter Term to gain insights into the culture and business environment of the UAE as a part of the course “Business and Culture in the United Arab Emirates.”
The course guided students to explore business operations as well as cultural sites in the two largest emirates in the UAE-Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
While in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the fellows participated in business visits where they had the opportunity to meet with executives at the following companies: Intercoil, Coca-Cola, Nakheel, MASDAR City, Abu Dhabi Port Company, Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, Pitfire Pizza, CD+M Lighting Design Group and Strata.
“One company that stood out to me was Coca-Cola,” said Alexandra Pirsos ’21. “Of the businesses we visited, this was the one that most of us came in with at least some level of knowledge about. Interestingly though, in the Middle East they are considered the underdogs, and have to implement very different marketing strategies than they use in the United States. I personally took away a lot from that visit because I was able to easily compare their presentation to what traditionally takes place in the U.S. soft beverage industry.”
“The amount of wealth invested in each company in the United Arab Emirates definitely stood out the most during each business visit, especially in Dubai,” said Tara Petrillo ‘21. “For example, Nakheel, owner of the man-made islands, has completed and is also developing some of the most unbelievable projects. The man-made islands have drawn tourists from all over to go visit and stay in the most luxurious hotels.”
The fellows visited economic and cultural sites, including the Burj Khalifa, Manarat Al Saadivat, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, Ferrari World, and the Emirates Palace, among others.
The course and travel component were led by Nawar Chaker, assistant professor of marketing, and Danny Lanier, assistant professor of accounting.