Winter Break: Dubai and Hong Kong: Two Powerful Cities

Dates:  Departure: 12/26/15 – 1/9/16 (Ending Date)

Hong Kong and Dubai have undergone a phenomenal growth in the last few decades and play a very pivotal role in the economy of their respective nations and regions. Considered among some of the best marketed destinations in the globe; they bring in a huge amount of investments along with human capital. Hong Kong and Dubai are frequently featured among the list of top 10 most visited cities in the world.

Dubai has undergone an unprecedented transformation that has turned it into one of the world’s most extravagant places. In less than 40 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a local trading community into one of the most inspirational, exciting and successful cities in the world. Dubai’s formula for success is  visionary leadership, high-quality infrastructure, an expatriate-friendly environment, and zero tax on personal and corporate income. Dubai quickly became a business and tourism. It is among the very first Gulf States that has successfully diversified its economy into various sectors such as-tourism, real estates, retail, trade, media, financial services etc.

Hong Kong has flourished for more than 150 years as a gateway between East and West. As one of the world's most fast-paced, and vibrant cities, it's become a true international power player.

Hong Kong is frequently described as "Asia's World City."  Hong Kong is a world-class destination that serves as one of the world's leading financial centers, an international hub for business, a gateway to China and a springboard to other Asian cities. Honk Kong is Asia's pre-eminent international and cosmopolitan city with a unique blend of eastern and western heritage and culture

This course involves traveling to Dubai and Hong Kong to observe the developmental trajectories of these two city states. These two strong cities are strategic gateways that constitute the trading centers and hubs in their regions. They are strategically situated with vibrant and impressive rates of economic growth. Both invest massively in the service industry with its three subsectors: tourism, finance and real estate. Dubai and Hong Kong stimulate economic growth and further expand their trade potential and create more opportunities for both regions.

This course will examine Dubai and Hong Kong have many things in common that are worth careful examination. Dubai and Hong Kong both started few decades ago as small, politically fragile and economically weak city states that relied heavily on fishing to survive. Participants will see the commonalities between them and trace their success stories.

Although they have extremely diverse histories and cultures, Dubai and Hong Kong are more similar in that both have few natural resources. Financial trade and tourism serve as their economic successes. Dubai and Hong Kong are efficient and innovative—with diverse populations. Hong Kong and Dubai are destinations of international standing and are city states that  developed from scratch and are products of strategic planning, die hard entrepreneurial spirit and openness towards change.  

The program fee is estimated at $2,800-3,100 and includes UM tuition (3 credit hour class that meets the cultural competence requirement), fees, hotel accommodations, fees for all academic site visits, field trips, and other program-sponsored excursions, transportation to all visits, one or two meals per day (lunches or dinner), and course reading materials. This is a higher estimate than previously provided but the prices for accommodations are higher as a result of the holidays plus you are spending New Years in a city that many people want to visit for New Years Eve and this also drives up the cost. Airfare not included. Final fee will be determined at a later date. Estimated Airfare: $1,500-$1,800. Along with visiting Dubai and Hong Kong students will also spend time in Abu Dhabi, Shenzhen, and Macau,


The Office of Education Abroad is now accepting applications for the 2016 short term education abroad program to Dubai and Hong Kong. In order to apply go to http://globalmaryland.umd.edu/offices/education-abroad/program/11323. If you have additional questions you can contact Dr. Wellman at mwellman@rhsmith.umd.edu 

Mark Wellman
Management & Organization Faculty
Robert H. Smith School of Business
4552 Van Munching Hall
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-1815
301-405-0831 TEL
mwellman@rhsmith.umd.edu
http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu