Students learn from influential UAE business leaders at annual Cass MBA Dubai Symposium

A study tour featuring visits to leading companies in the UAE as well as meetings with influential thought leaders provided Cass Executive MBA (EMBA) students with a unique insight into the economic, cultural and social factors driving the growth of one of the world’s most dynamic countries.

Led by Professor Roy Batchelor, Professor of Banking and Finance and Director MBA Finance, the four-day tour, titled Cass Dubai MBA Symposium, covered the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Now in its ninth year, the Symposium allowed students to examine the achievements of state-sponsored and private initiatives, as well as the various challenges facing businesses operating in key business sectors, including oil and gas, renewable energy, trade and transportation, hospitality and retail and real estate.

Engaging with business leaders

There were 16 Cass students in total from Dubai and London who enjoyed the opportunity to visit Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Majid Al Futtaim, Masdar City, J Walter Thompson Dubai, Nakheel and International Humanitarian City.

The students went on to visit the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, where they met with Saeed Kharbash, Head of Strategy and Planning and Cass alumnus (Executive MBA, 2013), who gave an overview of the Islamic economy sector in the country.

Following this, the delegation attended a presentation at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), where Pinaki Aich, Vice President Group Strategy, discussed a range of topics, including DIFC’s vision and strategy.

A panel discussion at the DIFC’s Capital Club explored entrepreneurship and business creation in Dubai. It featured Khaled Boudemagh, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Easy Company, Julian Callanan, Founder and Managing Director of Sinterex, and Abdul Ghafoor Fazal, CEO of Cosmere Technologies BIM.

Insight into UAE culture

For the London-based students, the tour offered a glimpse into modern Arab society and local customs and traditions, through visits to Souq Madinat Jumeirah, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island – home to the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park – and Downtown Dubai, where Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building is located.

Dubai EMBA student Nazhiya Muhamadeeva says she chose this elective as she was keen to learn about how some of the UAE’s most successful companies are managed. “One of the most remarkable aspects of the tour was the visit to DTCM where I understood the massive work behind the success of DTCM. I also enjoyed visiting Masdar City, a company that is leading the way in renewable energy and sustainable development in the region. All in all, the tour was an excellent opportunity to gain access to top companies in the country.”

For Claudie Felicani, the Symposium enabled her to network with London-based students and share insights and ideas.

She said: “It was a really interesting tour. As a resident of Dubai, the visits to various companies broadened my understanding of the business culture in the UAE.”

Watch highlights of the Symposium here.

A visit to the Nakheel Headquarters