Spring Break is a time for HUMBA students to catch up on
reading, traveling, securing internships, and taking a break from the demands
of deadlines and analyzing cases. I relish the opportunities to get more stamps
in my passport from countries where I can learn the culture and business.
I had the opportunity to spend several days in Dubai, United Arab
Emirates. The experience was enlightening. Dubai is an
extremely large landmass; a sprawling city with about 5 million people,
that is modern and very clean. The 2008 economic crisis
grossly slowed construction projects. Although, there is a ton of
unfinished construction sites throughout the city, it appears
business and tourism continues on; as infrastructure is steadily growing.
I visited the Dubai
Marina District, and was awed by the number of sky scrapers with such an
incredibly gorgeous sky line. I assumed they were all corporate based
entities. But, I discovered the buildings were mix use with apartments and
condos. The inventory in that city appears to be pretty high at
present. I also visited the Sheikh Zayed Mosque
in Abu Dhabi. This is an amazing architectural structure and
an important worship center in the region. Etiquette is extremely
important at the Mosque. Women must cover their hair and any exposed
leg. Once inside, it's even more breathtaking and impressive.
I really enjoyed my
time in Dubai. The food was magnificent, and the night life was festive.
Dubai appears to be very safe, with no tolerance laws. Things such as
public intoxication and offensive language will quickly land one behind bars.
The people were so pleasantly welcoming, and customer service
was exceptional. Experiencing a taste of the tourist life in the Middle
East and of Arabic culture has expanded my view. I've obtained a
higher level of cultural sensitivity. Though, there are several differences,
the similarities between large US cities and Dubai are the follow: 1)
There is an enormous amount of diversity. 2) The people are trying to
take care of their responsibilities and provide for their families. 3) Commerce
is the driving factor in the economy.
4) Infrastructural development is moving forward. AND 5)
Opportunity is on the horizon.
.
With sputtering
globalization tinkering along, I suspect the future holds enormous growth
for Dubai. Hence, I look forward to returning for another visit to
the United Arab Emirates. But the next time will be for business.
Rachel Victoria Dawson is currently an MBA candidate at the Howard University School of Business Class of 2013, and CEO of the Point Group LLC in Washington DC.
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