After coming back from the UAE, all the cities we got to visit were Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, Dubai and some small islands. Before going to the UAE, I thought that businesses over there felt more formal and transactional. However, while we were doing company visits, I learned that relationships and the culture are the main things businesses operate here. As I visited Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Abu Dhabi University, Bellboy and Yellow Door Energy, businesses in the UAE place a high value on cooperation and sustainability. For example, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office focuses on getting businesses to invest in the UAE instead of just funding the government. Through funding programs and long-term economic growth, they hope to support businesses while also benefiting the community. It is different from the US, where corporate settings are often seen as quicker and more profit-driven. As the trip went on, I got to see how the locals interact with tourists. Everyone we encountered welcomed us, respectful and very friendly. People were kind and polite in both normal and professional settings, which made the experience feel more genuine and personal. It seems to have been rooted in Emirati businesses and cultural norms. After coming back from the trip, my initial impression of the UAE as a wealthy nation was true, but it was more wealthy than I expected. The wealth in UAE is shown more of a casual everyday norm, in my opinion. It’s hard to tell who is richer than others from the outside perspective. The experience opened up my mind and showed that community, culture, and corporate success can coexist. Other than that, I want to make an opinion. I noticed in every restroom we go to, there is a bidet attached next to the toilet, which is very cool.
