Elon students discover relationship-driven business in the UAE | Today at Elon
Elon Business Fellows traveled to Dubai and Abu Dhabi to experience how the United Arab Emirates’ strategic investments, relationship-driven culture and emphasis on innovation shape its growing global economic influence.
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Second-year Business Fellows recently traveled to Dubai and Abu Dhabi during the Winter Term, immersing themselves in the region’s blend of global business, cultural heritage and innovation.
“Seeing Dubai’s port and realizing how carefully they invest in vital industries was an eye-opener,” said Alexa Sarmiere ’27, a finance major from Raleigh, North Carolina. “It’s not just luck that made the United Arab Emirates wealthy—it’s strategic decisions and a forward-thinking mindset.”
Students noted a strong emphasis on relationship-building.
“One of the biggest differences I saw is how personal connections shape every deal,” Sarmiere said. “Here, negotiation focuses on trust and loyalty, which is different from the performance-driven approach we often see in the U.S.”
For Skylar Zimmerly ’27, an entrepreneurship major from West Islip, New York, a visit to Sweetwater MEA highlighted the UAE’s creative potential.
“Seeing their Adidas collaboration with a local restaurant was such a unique blend of global branding and local culture,” Zimmerly said. “It felt like a glimpse into my dream career, where storytelling and international perspectives collide.”
Beyond modern business ventures, the group encountered the cultural richness that defines the UAE.
“The souks were incredible,” Sarmiere said. “We talked with shop owners about their family businesses, and they remembered us when we returned. That sense of community is woven into everyday life.”
Touring the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi offered another perspective.
“It was breathtaking,” Sarmiere added. “Seeing people from all backgrounds welcomed into such a sacred space was both humbling and inspiring.”
Meanwhile, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi showed how the UAE invests in healthcare.
“They’re pushing boundaries here just like they do in business,” Sarmiere said. “It’s fascinating to see so many sectors innovating simultaneously.”
The experiences left a lasting impression on the Fellows.
“I never really considered moving abroad, but after talking to Elon alumni in Dubai, I can definitely see myself exploring international opportunities,” Zimmerly said. “This trip changed my perspective entirely.”
The fellows visited:
- American University of Sharjah
- Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa
- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce
- Dubai Souks
- EGA Al Taweelah
- Fine’s Paper Factory
- Galleria Al Maryah Island
- Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
- International Centre for Culinary Arts
- Jubaili Bros
- Le Louvre Abu Dhabi
- MittaalArcelor
- NFT (Tower Cranes)
- Odoo
- Sheikh Mohammad Center for Cultural Understanding
- Sweetwater MEA
- Zella Water
Faculty on the trip:
- Scott Hayward, associate professor of management
- Elena Kennedy, Doherty Emerging professor of entrepreneurship and associate professor of entrepreneurship
- David Moura, lecturer in management
- Vaishali Shah, lecturer in finance
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