This course addresses the main macroeconomic trends, opportunities, and risks faced by businesses and policymakers in the United Arab Emirates. Some of the questions that we examine include: What have been the main sources of growth for the UAE? What are the initiatives the government has taken to diversify the economy away from oil and to promote growth? How has the UAE economy responded to different crises, like the Global Financial Crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising regional geopolitical tensions? To what extent does the prospect for future growth depend on the organization of the labor market? Is the UAE’s unique political structure a strength or a source of risk for the country’s growth? Travel to Dubai will take place during spring break, tentatively March 12-19, 2022; exact dates and details to be confirmed.

Global Immersion Program classes bridge classroom lessons and business practices in another country. These three credit classes meet for half a term in New York prior to a one week visit to the country of focus where students will meet with business executives and government officials while working on team projects. Upon return from the travel portion of the class, students may have one wrap up meeting at Columbia Business School.  The 2021-2022 Global Immersion Program fee for all classes is $1850 and provides students with double occupancy lodging, ground transportation and some meals. It does not cover roundtrip international airfare. Attendance both in New York and in-country and regular participation are a crucial part of the learning experience and as such attendance is mandatory. Students who miss the first class meeting may be removed from the course.  No program fee refunds will be given after the add/drop period has closed. Please visit the Chazen Institute website to learn more about the Global Immersion Program, and visit the Global Immersion Policies page to review policies affecting these courses.

 All participants must be vaccinated (no exceptions to the mandate permitted).  We will be keeping a close eye on the COVID-19 levels in the UAE. Should the situation deteriorate, the travel component of the course may be cancelled.

Pierre Yared

Senior Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs

Pierre Yared is the MUTB Professor of International Business, Senior Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs, and Vice Dean for Executive Education at Columbia Business School.  His research, which has been published in leading academic journals, focuses on macroeconomic policy and political economy. He is a research associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research and an associate editor of the American Economic Review...

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