Its 07.55 when the plane lands and within an hour everyone is through to the other side of immigration. A few things are sorted including the purchase of sim cards, and coffee to top up the energy levels. Now, its time to start this amazing journey.

We have arrived! We are finally in Dubai, and this is the first day of what promises to be an amazing trip and experience. We are twenty-seven students from University of Birmingham representing programmes in MSc supply chain management, MSc business analytics and MSc International business.

This trip is designed to provide an international learning experience being exposed to a different culture, with plans to visit Dubai based employers and industries. For many students this is the first visit to Dubai and the Emirates, a major player in the global logistics industry.

We are also here to visit students and staff at the University of Birmingham Dubai campus.

Lets go!

This was followed by Fatteh, bread soaked in yogurt, chickpeas, and garlic, topped with a sprinkle of almonds and a dash of tangy sumac.

Something I recognised was the falafel. It was hot and crispy, and simply amazing.

One of the highlights had to be the shakshouka. I had it in the UK a few times previously, but this one was absolutely amazing. There was also a bowl of Foul mudammas, a bean dish tossed with fresh tomatoes, parsley, and olive oil.

Breakfast at Aroos Damascus was a great introduction to Dubai and the culture of its people; a slice of tradition.

My strategy was as follows:

1. Establish base price: understand the products and what they typically cost.

2. Start with the product of secondary importance. I asked to purchase some Hibiscus, but my actual intention was to get some Pistachio.

3. Secure a reasonable discount on the secondary product, the Hibiscus. Push the boundaries but don't be too unrealistic.

4. At the point of closing the deal, throw in the primary product of interest, the Pistachio, asking for a sizeable % discount and suggesting it as a final addition to the deal.

I closed having obtained a discount on both products. Yipee!

A place of absolute beauty and awe. On the hottest of days, one imagines that it's impossible to stare at the face of God, reflected in the pristine marble surface that pierces the core of your eyes, that you dare not tempt fate on staring at it's beauty.

Saffron was among the many items on display that attracted my attention. Also referred to as the "king of spices," saffron has been used for medicinal and cultural purposes and as an ingredient in food for centuries.

As I stood there amidst its vibrant yellow threads, the dealer explained its many health benefits like saffron is not just famous for boosting immunity, heart health, but also for improving memory. It was fascinating to learn about the multitude of uses of saffron in teas, foods, and even beauty products. The vision of the vibrant orange-red saffron threads was amazing, and learning about it being used since ancient times made it all the more fascinating.

One of the interesting aspects of the activity was observing the salesman discussing fake saffron. Since fake saffron is common in stores, I learned how to distinguish it from original saffron. Original saffron carries a distinct scent, colour, and texture, whereas imitations typically have a darker colour and a chemical Odor and settle down at the bottom. The salesman was so energetic during the whole demonstration and offered us a red tea and pistachios.

(By Nameera Kashaf)

One piece of jewellery that truly captured my attention was an enormous finger ring that demanded notice. Its heavy embellishments and brilliant shine could illuminate any space, making it larger than any ring I had ever encountered. I will always remember the sensation of having entered a realm, and the experience was one I’ll never forget.

Here’s a glimpse of the glimmering jewellery from the Gold Souk, with the massive finger ring I mentioned earlier The Najmat Taiba, the world’s largest gold ring, weighs approximately 63.856 kg and has a perimeter of 2,200 mm, with an outer diameter of 700 mm and an inner diameter of 490 mm, making it a truly monumental piece of craftsmanship .

(By Nameera Kashaf)

The experience was magical, as I tested various scents that mixed floral, woody, and musky notes. I purchased a few small bottles of oud for my friends and family. Each bottle cost around 100 AED, a small price for such a luxurious fragrance. I loved the idea of bringing back a piece of the Middle East, something so personal and unique that would remind them of my travels.

(By Nameera Kashaf)

Dubai has a unique charm that captivates visitors in every way possible. Whether you’re a history buff, a shopping enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys good food and beautiful surroundings, Dubai has something for everyone. I left the city with memories that I will cherish forever and a deep desire to return again and again. There’s just so much more to explore!

(By Nameera Kashaf)

Our bus pulled into the compound. On the right-hand side, I noticed old-style houses and shops that resembled the places I used to see in my favourite video game Assassin’s Creed, and I felt nostalgic. In the game, I used to jump off buildings like this. It was an exhilarating feeling when I saw those structures and markets designed in the traditional Emirati way of living.

We walked to the house dedicated for us, and surprisingly, it was cold inside. They had incorporated AC into the house while maintaining the older structure. First, we were asked to take off our shoes and sit on the cushions arranged in a square format around the buffet of food placed in the centre. Our guide came in, greeted us, and shared their motto: “Open doors, open minds,” which made me feel it was a warm welcome.

He told us the agenda for the evening and asked us to feel free to stop him at any time to ask questions about anything—religion, culture, and so on. He was wearing a traditional Emirati formal outfit with the scarf tied in a specific manner that caught my eye. While he was welcoming us, I looked around the house and noticed that the walls were made of some kind of stone, and the roof was an opaque material made of some kind of thick fabric lining that allowed partial light into the house. I was wondering what that might be.

Then he started explaining the traditional way of serving food in the Emirati way, which begins with coffee served in a small cup. The size was very similar to a shot glass. He mentioned that the youngest in the house would serve coffee to everyone at the dinner table and would only pour half a cup, so that guests could ask for more. This way, they are telling the guest they are very much welcome to stay as long as they like. He also mentioned that if they served a big cup of coffee without any signs of a refill, it meant they didn’t want the guests to stay long and would prefer they leave right after the coffee. These mild, subtle gestures in Emirati culture show their kind way of treating people. The coffee server waits with the pot until the guest gestures that they don’t want more coffee. Then they offered us dates, which is also a tradition in Emirati lunch.

After that, we were invited to start serving ourselves the food placed in the middle. They had chicken, lamb, and veg biryani, along with white rice and vegetable curry. The biryani had a unique flavour—almost like heavily flavoured rice. The meat was cooked perfectly, and the lamb just melted in my mouth. I loved it. For dessert, they served a traditional dish made from sweet flour shaped into round balls, deep-fried, and seasoned with date sauce to make it even sweeter. Overall, the taste of the food was great.

The guide spoke about how they used to have dinner at home. All the family members would sit and eat together, which is something he said he still looks forward to every day.

One of my friends asked a question about the traditional Emirati outfit and what it signifies. He mentioned one interesting fact: there is one piece of clothing called Kendor, which is a small string that hangs around the neck of a male and carries the unique fragrance of his wife when he goes into the desert for a few days. This helps him feel close to his wife even when they are physically apart. The wife usually smells the Kendor on her husband's return to check if the scent has worn off. I felt this was a cute way to make your partner feel important.

Someone else asked how they used to cool their houses in the olden days. He mentioned that every house had a cooling tower at the top which captured moisture in the air and redirected it into the house to keep it cool. These were among the few structures that reminded me of Assassin’s Creed. It had been several years since I first saw these structures in the game, and this was the moment I realised their true purpose.

The overall experience was an eye-opener for me in understanding the way of living of Emiratis. I’m glad I got to experience this first-hand.

(By Vasanthan Ravichandran)

We began with a tour of the modern facilities, including classrooms, the main foyer, and welcoming communal areas. We then gathered in one of the classrooms for a session led by Amer, an assistant professor. He created a relaxed atmosphere right from the start, even handing around fresh dates, which made us feel immediately welcomed. He spoke about the Dubai campus, which opened in 2018, and highlighted the city’s rapid growth, including projects like Hyperloop developments and Dubai’s aim to become a global logistics and supply chain hub. He also touched on the city’s multicultural environment, with over 200 nationalities living and working in Dubai. Throughout, Amer kept the session interactive, asking us questions and encouraging discussion.

We then explored the campus further, including seeing the two serene courtyards with fountains and greenery, where we had time to network with other students and reflect on what we had learned.

Following this, we attended the Intercampus Enterprise Competition (IEC) 2025 Grand Final in the main hall. This was a standout moment. We watched two finalist teams, both with AI-focused business ideas, pitch their projects to a panel of judges. Watching their presentations offered valuable insights, for example, how to present confidently in group settings, how to accept feedback constructively, and how non-verbal communication, such as purposeful hand gestures can really strengthen a pitch. I also noticed how slowing down and speaking clearly made their ideas much easier to follow and more impactful.

Overall, this visit left me feeling inspired and motivated to embrace new experiences and stay open to wherever my future path may lead.

(By Joseph Whitfield)

During my recent visit to Abu Dhabi, one of the highlights was stepping into the world of ADNOC, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. What I thought would be a quick glimpse into a traditional oil company turned out to be an eye-opening experience about how legacy industries are evolving in the face of global energy challenges.

Founded in 1971, ADNOC has grown from a group of 15 separate operating companies into one unified energy group, employing around 50,000 people today. With a brand value of 18.9 billion US dollars, it has held the title of the UAE’s most valuable brand for seven consecutive years. This kind of recognition speaks volumes about its strong leadership not only in the region but also on the global stage.

What struck me the moment I entered ADNOC’s headquarters was how futuristic everything felt. The architecture was sleek, the technology was everywhere, and even the security process was smooth but professional. It was clear that every detail was intentional.

But beyond the surface, what really left a lasting impression was ADNOC’s commitment to change. They are investing heavily in clean energy, especially in low-carbon hydrogen. With a target to reach net-zero emissions by 2045, the company is putting 23 billion dollars toward decarbonization efforts. That’s not just a pledge. It’s a serious action plan.

Currently, ADNOC produces about 4.85 million barrels of oil per day, and they are planning to deliver over 100 gigawatts of renewable energy in the coming years. These numbers are hard to ignore, especially when you realize they are also leveraging artificial intelligence. Over 30 AI tools have already been deployed across operations to boost efficiency, improve safety, and lower emissions.

One thing I found particularly fascinating was their decision to manage everything internally. ADNOC does not outsource any part of its supply chain. They believe keeping control in-house gives them a competitive edge, better stability, and long-term resilience. It’s a bold move that clearly works for them.

They are also thinking internationally. ADNOC is building strategic partnerships with countries like China, the UK, and North America. This global mindset helps them navigate geopolitical risks and ensures they stay adaptive in an ever-changing world.

Walking out of ADNOC’s headquarters, I realized this visit was more than just a corporate tour. It was a glimpse into how a company with deep roots in traditional energy is actively shaping the future. ADNOC is not just an oil company. It is a leader in energy innovation, and it is proving that tradition and transformation can move forward together.

(By Wan-Chin Hsieh)

As we arrived at the ADNOC headquarters, the first impression was truly striking. The building itself was modern, full of futuristic feel. The atmosphere there was highly professional, and the security procedures were strict yet efficiently managed, reflecting the importance of the company’s operations.

ADNOC has been recognized as the UAE’s most valuable brand for seven consecutive years, with a brand value of $18.9 billion in 2025. This recognition reflects not only its strong leadership within the country but also its significant influence on the global stage.

ADNOC’s transformation beyond traditional oil and gas operations. The company is proactively investing in the future of energy, particularly in hydrogen. Their ongoing development of low-carbon hydrogen facilities through strategic partnerships reflects a forward-thinking commitment to sustainable energy solutions. At the same time, ADNOC is leading in digital transformation. The company has implemented more than 30 artificial intelligence tools across its operations. These tools have significantly improved operational efficiency, enhanced safety, and reduced emissions, generating substantial value in the process.

In terms of safety, ADNOC places a strong emphasis on employee well-being. They utilize advanced robotics for exploration and maintenance tasks, minimizing risks for human workers. This approach demonstrates their ability to combine innovation with a deep sense of responsibility toward their workforce.

When it comes to supply chain management, ADNOC is taking tangible steps toward sustainability while maintaining the scale of its operations. One key aspect is their vertically integrated supply chain model. ADNOC does not outsource any part of its operations. This is a strategic decision based on the understanding that outsourcing would reduce their control in the market and weaken their leadership position. They foresee that profits could otherwise be shared with competitors, so they choose to manage all business processes internally. This approach ensures greater autonomy, resilience, and long-term stability.

In response to the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, ADNOC also takes proactive measures to manage risk. The company diversifies its partnerships and strengthens local capabilities, ensuring it remains adaptive and resilient in a complex global environment.

This visit gave us a clear view of how ADNOC is breaking new ground within a traditional industry. With its global outlook and commitment to innovation and sustainability, ADNOC is well-positioned to lead the future of energy. The experience was not just an overview of one company, but an eye-opening encounter with the trends that are shaping the world’s energy landscape.

(By Ting-Yu Chen, I-Ya Lee and Wan-Chin Hsieh)

During the visit, we were welcomed by the DIHAD team and introduced to their mission of facilitating global humanitarian response through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange. I was particularly impressed by their ability to bring together stakeholders from across the world to address urgent challenges, such as disaster relief, refugee support, and sustainable development.

From a supply chain perspective, I was fascinated by how DIHAD manages procurement, distribution, and logistics in unpredictable and high-pressure environments. Their focus on agility, transparency, and ethical sourcing is something that aligns closely with what we learn in our academic modules—especially when discussing sustainable and resilient supply chains.

One key takeaway from the visit was the importance of partnerships. DIHAD emphasizes working closely with local suppliers, international NGOs, and governments to ensure efficient and effective aid delivery. This reminded me that supply chain management isn’t just about moving goods—it’s about connecting people, managing information, and building trust across borders.

Overall, visiting DIHAD was an eye-opening experience that reminded me of the real-world impact of supply chain decisions. It also inspired me to consider how I might contribute to humanitarian logistics in my future career, combining operational efficiency with social responsibility.

(By Tao Lin)

One of the key things I learned was how emerging technologies like VR, AI, and data analytics are now being used in humanitarian and educational settings. I had the chance to speak directly with professionals working on real-world solutions, including representatives from The Digital School in Dubai and Taqat in Qatar. Through these conversations, I saw how technology is being used to reach underserved communities, especially in education, healthcare, and relief management. It gave me a stronger understanding of how my background in business analytics can actually make a difference in the real world.

I also learned how important it is to be proactive and communicate ideas. I suggested the use of VR for immersive learning to The Digital School team and to my surprise, they were open to it! It was encouraging to see that professionals value fresh ideas from students and young professionals.

Beyond the technical insights, the experience also helped me grow personally. It boosted my confidence in networking, presenting ideas, and learning from people in leadership roles across different cultures and sectors. Seeing Qatar and the UAE’s role in global development also inspired me to consider future opportunities in this region.

Overall, the DIHAD exhibition taught me that meaningful innovation often happens when technology, empathy, and collaboration come together.

(By Esther Marku)