CUHK’s Co-operative Education Programme (Co-op@CUHK) recently organised a week-long field trip for 40 undergraduate students to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The visit provided students with the chance to explore one of the Middle East’s most dynamic economic hubs, offering first-hand exposure to local culture, businesses and innovative development. The initiative aimed to broaden students’ global perspectives and intercultural communication skills in preparation for the globalised workplace.

The participating students came from various disciplines, including English, Law, Medicine, Economics, Computer Science, Cultural Studies, Business Administration, and Journalism and Communication. Before departure, Provost of CUHK Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin and Consul General of the UAE in Hong Kong H.E. Shaikh Saoud Ali Almualla attended a briefing session with students. During the session, the Consul General provided students with an overview of the UAE’s socio-economic landscape, urban development initiatives and cultural etiquette.

During their visit to the UAE’s Dubai and Abu Dhabi, students visited government-affiliated entities, universities, private enterprises and other institutions, allowing them to gain insights into local market dynamics and career prospects while engaging with industry leaders. Students visited Hub 71 and the Archireef Eco-Engineering Facility, learning about the Gulf region’s thriving innovation and technology ecosystem; dived into the UAE’s rich cultural heritage through visits to the Museum of the Future and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre; and immersed themselves in local culture with a crash course in Arabic. CUHK students also engaged with their counterparts at Dubai’s Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi, discovering what study, work and life in the UAE was like.

Janson Lui Kin-hei, a second-year Law student, said: “This trip showed me that modern development and traditional cultural values can coexist. I also learned to step out of my comfort zone, think outside the box and take the initiative to explore new realms.” Fourth-year Global Communications student Iris Jiang Chuanyuan added: “I was impressed by their flexibility in business and lifestyle – quite different from other traditional economies. We had the chance to connect with people along the way, including a Sudanese professional who is building a new career abroad. Their stories opened my eyes to the possibilities of global career development.”