Faculty-led Program in the UAE - Winter

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Dubai, “the pearl of the Gulf,” and experience a perfect blend of tradition and modernity in this awe-inspiring, larger-than-life city. The UAE offers unique insights into vibrant economies, diverse cultures, and rich histories, providing you with invaluable and unforgettable learning experiences beyond the classroom and provide you with an advantage when seeking career opportunities.

This program will allow you to check off a once in a lifetime destinations on your bucket list! Can you see yourself taking a pic in front of Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE), the world’s tallest building, renowned as one of the world's most photographed monuments.

Dates & Deadlines

App Deadline: September 15, 2025
Program Dates: December 30, 2025 to January 10th, 2026 (Dates subject to change)

To get started click the link below to schedule a meeting with an advisor. If you would like to schedule a meeting between May 19th - June 6th, please follow the second link to view availability.

Interested in studying abroad in the Spring 2025 or later? Please fill out the waitlist form below and the study abroad center will notify you when applications for future terms open. If you are still deciding where or when you want to go abroad, you can also schedule an informational meeting with our office to learn more about the programs we offer and find one that works best for you!

Unsure where to begin? Visit our Application Process page to learn more!

Academics

BUS 2100: Global Skills (3 credit hours)

Students will study the Dubai/Abu Dhabi business environment, including the UAE’s current state of affairs and historical context in the global economy. This will include discussions of historical and current economic and business environment, cultural influences, and more. Students will learn how to conduct business in Dubai/Abu Dhabi and will gain awareness of the influence of culture on important aspects of living and conducting business in Dubai/Abu Dhabi.

This is a UNIFI: Human Condition Global course. It can also count as a UNIFI elective credit.

Talk to your academic advisor about how this course would work for you!

No prerequisites. All majors welcome. Participation in this program requires several class meetings during the fall semester, although the course is scheduled as a winter session course. The Study Abroad Center will enroll participants in the course. Please contact the program's course leaders for more information on academic requirements.

NOTES:

Winter session courses are billed tuition and fees.

Students attending colleges and universities other than ��are welcome to participate in this program. If you are not currently a ��student, but would like to participate in this program, please contact the ��Study Abroad Center prior to starting your program application.

Itinerary

Tentative Program Dates: December 30, 2025 (depart) to January 9th, 2026 (return)

Sample itinerary is subject to change.

Day 1: Students and faculty depart the US from the Des Moines Airport. Group airfare is arranged.

Day 2: Students and faculty arrive in Dubai and travel together to their housing. Arrival schedule permitting, view the world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks show!

Day 3: Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city with “photo stops” at the iconic sites. Activities in Dubai, including Expo 2020, Museum of the Future, and a visit to the 124th floor of the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa. Possible visit to Skyline University College with lecture in the afternoon.

Day 4: In the morning, visit some of the hidden gems of Dubai:

Shingagha Museum to learn more about the story of the Creek and what it took to grow the trading business back in the days.
Perfume House, where you will learn the history and culture of perfume making. Learn how fragrances are created using regional ingredients such as musk, rose, myrtle flowers and saffron.
Textiles and Cloth Market for free time to explore and shop.
Abra Ride (Water Taxi): Board one of the traditional local Abras to cross the Dubai creek
Gold and Spice Souk: Located in the heart of old Dubai is the famous Gold and Spice Souk. A walk through the bustling alleys affords you a view of dazzling gold and aroma of local spices. It is estimated that as much as 40% of the world’s gold passes through the Gold Souk.

In the afternoon, embark on a Desert Safari (Private 4WD. At the entrance of the desert, the tires will be deflated and the vehicles will drive up and slide down the dunes. At a Bedouin camp, you will enjoy Arabic coffee, have the opportunity to ride a camel, and experience a typical barbeque dinner, prepared on the open fire, and belly dancing show.

Day 5: Free day in Dubai- enjoy a free day in Dubai to explore on your own.

Day 6: Travel to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. During your tour, you will explore the main sites and areas of the city such as: Al Hosn Palace, which was previously the home of the ruling family; the iconic Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi Hotel; and the date market to savor the many wonderful varieties of dates from the region. After the tours students will check in to their hotel and enjoy a group dinner in the evening.

Day 7: Free day in Abu Dhabi - Enjoy a free day to explore the city on your own.

Day 8: Students will enjoy a class meeting in a hotel meeting room. Afterward, the group will have a full day of local business visits

Day 9: Transfer back to Dubai after breakfast and enjoy a free day in Dubai to explore the city with the remainder of the day.

Day 10: Students will participate in a class meeting in a hotel meeting room. Afterward, the group will have a full day of local business visits. Group “farewell” dinner in the evening.

Day 11: Depart for the U.S. Group airfare is arranged to Des Moines Airport.

Participant Info

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to the UAE, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more. From the application process to financial assistance to preparing for your journey abroad, Stephanie will be with you every step of the way providing guidance and reassurance.

Important information to review:

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. ��study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to .

Housing & Meals

Students will stay in hotels arranged by the Study Abroad Center while abroad. The cost of these hotels are included in the "Program Cost" line item of the program cost estimate. A few meals are built into the "Program Cost". Students will pay for the remaining meals out-of-pocket while traveling and are encouraged to try the local foods.

Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost: $5,418- $6,318

*estimated total cost of participation, actual amount depends on type of housing accommodation selected, actual airfare purchase price, personal spending habits, and other factors.

Estimated Total Program Cost	$5,418 - $6,318
Estimated U-bill Charges	$4,846 - $5,746
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs	$572

WB UAE 2025-26 Online - NON Business

WB UAE 2025-26 Online - Business

For additional scholarships for your program, click here.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees

Housing & Meals

Program Activities

Pre-departure Advising

Travel Health Insurance

Transportation

‌Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study Abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). To view eligibility requirements, click here.

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