NCUSAR-AMIDEAST UAE 2025

UAE

Exploring AI in the UAE: Bridging Cultures and Shaping the Future

The UAE Study Abroad Program is an eight-day, guided initiative organized by Amideast and the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations. This program emphasizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) within a dynamic educational setting, where innovation converges with tradition at the nexus of technology and culture in the Middle East. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading AI experts and explore state-of-the-art technology hubs that address real-world challenges. Additionally, participants will delve into the UAE’s rich cultural heritage while acquiring valuable insights into the global implications of AI.

Application Dates TBA

Join Us January 4th - 12th, 2025

Students will be expected to obtain their individual flights to DC

January 4th and 12th will both be travel dates – January 5th – 11th will be programmatic dates.

Day 1: Sunday, January 5

  • TBD | Arrival to Dubai Airport
  • Transit and check in to hotel
  • Free time to rest
  • 5:00 – 7:30 pm | Bus transportation to group welcome dinner
    • AMIDEAST staff will have a program briefing and introductions
  • 7:30 pm | Accommodations: Novotel Dubai Al Barsha Hotel

Day 2: Monday, January 6

  • 7:00 – 8:00 am | Breakfast at hotel
  • 8:30 am | Bus pickup from hotel
  • 9:30 am – 12:00 pm | Site visit: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
  • 12:30 – 1:30 pm | Lunch at DIFC, on own with stipend
  • 2:00 – 4:00 pm | Tour: Museum of the Future
  • 4:30 – 5:30 pm | Free time at hotel
  • 6:00 – 9:00 pm | Cultural Activity: Global Village
    • Participants will take a tour of the UAE pavilion before having free time in the village.
  • Evening Dinner: On own with stipend at the Global Village
  • Accommodations: Novotel Dubai Al Barsha Hotel

Day 3: Tuesday, January 7

  • 7:00 – 8:00 am | Breakfast at hotel
  • 8:30 am | Bus pickup from hotel, day trip to Abu Dhabi
  • 10:30 am – 12:30 pm | Site visit: Mohammed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence
  • 1:00 – 2:00 pm | Lunch at Yas Mall, on own with stipend
  • 2:30 – 3:30 pm | Site visit: NYU Abu Dhabi Center for AI and Robotics
  • 3:45 pm | Transfer back to Dubai
  • Free time
  • Evening Dinner: On own with stipend
  • Accommodations: Novotel Dubai Al Barsha Hotel

Day 4: Wednesday, January 8

  • 8:00 am | Breakfast at hotel
  • 9:30 am | Bus pickup from hotel
  • 10:00 am | – 12:00 pm Cultural Activity: Etihad Museum
  • 12:00 – 3:30 pm | Cultural Activity: Tour of Al Seif (Old Dubai)
  • Lunch: traditional Emirati lunch in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
  • 3:30 pm | Return to hotel
  • Students may choose to stay in Al Seif and return to the hotel on their own
  • Evening Dinner: On own with stipend
  • Accommodations: Novotel Dubai Al Barsha Hotel

Day 5: Thursday, January 9

  • 7:00 – 8:00 am | Breakfast at hotel
  • 8:00 am | Bus pickup from hotel
  • 9:00 am – 11:00 am | Site visit: Microsoft Technology Center (MTC) Dubai
  • 11:15 am – 1:15 pm | Roundtable Discussion: At Amideast Dubai STEM Lab with representatives from various Emirati tech companies
  • 1:15 – 2:30 pm | Lunch: At Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP), on own with stipend
  • 3:00 – 8:00 pm | Cultural Activity: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
  • Evening Dinner: On own at Dubai Mall with stipend
  • Accommodations: Novotel Dubai Al Barsha Hotel

Day 6: Friday, January 10

  • 7:00 – 8:00 am | Breakfast at hotel
  • 9:00 am | Bus pickup from hotel
  • 9:30 am – 10:30 am | Tour: Dubai Frame
  • 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Free time
  • Lunch: On own with stipend
  • 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Activity: desert safari and BBQ
  • Dinner: Provided as part of safari activity
  • Evening Accommodations: Novotel Dubai Al Barsha Hotel

Day 7: Saturday, January 11

  • 7:00 – 8:00 am | Breakfast at hotel
  • 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Free day in Dubai
  • 5:00 pm | Bus pickup from hotel
  • 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Farewell dinner: Medinat Palm Jumeirah
  • Evening Accommodations: Novotel Dubai Al Barsha Hotel

Day 8: Saturday, January 12

  1. 7:00 – 8:00 am | Breakfast at hotel
  2. TBD | Bus pickup from hotel to airport