Pune's RIIM students visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi on six-day study tour of UAE

Pune, October 23, 2026: Learning outside the classroom helps management students understand different cultures, business environments and opportunities around the world. With this aim, the Ramachandran International Institute of Management (RIIM Pune) organised a six-day academic and cultural tour of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Students got a close look at the country's cultural diversity, modern infrastructure and business environment.

The tour covered the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It included cultural outings, industry exposure, study-related visits and recreational activities. Students could link their textbook learning with real-world experience and gain a better understanding of the international setting.

Chairperson Prof. Dr Suraj Sharma, Director Dr Ajit Sane, Chief Mentor and retired IPS officer Rajendra Singh and Dean Dr Manisha Saxena accompanied the students throughout the trip and guided them. Their presence added to the academic value of the tour and made it memorable for the students.

At the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, students saw the beauty of Islamic architecture and learned about the cultural significance of one of the country's best-known landmarks. A visit to the BAPS Hindu temple showed them another side of faith, community and cultural exchange in the UAE.

In Dubai, the students also went to the Burj Khalifa, a globally known symbol of modern architecture and urban development. They understood the scale of the city's growth and its place as a global hub for business, tourism and innovation. The visits showed students that culture, heritage and modern development can coexist in a society connected to the world.

Some experiences took students beyond the famous sights to the UAE's traditions and hospitality. An evening dhow cruise on Dubai Creek offered traditional hospitality, cultural performances and local food, and gave a glimpse of the link between Dubai's waterways and its cultural heritage.

A desert safari added adventure to the trip. Students enjoyed dune bashing, watched the sun set over the desert and had a barbecue dinner under the Arabian sky. These activities gave students a chance to mix with one another, experience local traditions and make memories away from the study setting.

Industry exposure and practical learning were an important part of the tour. Students attended a session at Etisalat Academy and made industry visits meant to familiarise them with the UAE's business ecosystem, technological development and innovation environment. A visit to the Teleios factory gave them more insight into industrial operations and global business practices.

Such experiences can help management students understand how organisations run, how industries work and what steps businesses take as markets change. For students preparing for careers, seeing the international business environment can help them grasp the differences and similarities between domestic and global markets.

RIIM Pune consistently stresses learning from experience. By combining classroom teaching with industry interaction, cultural exposure and practical experience, the institute wants students to gain a fuller understanding of the professional world. Travelling together also builds self-reliance, adaptability, teamwork and respect for differing viewpoints.

RIIM Pune has also launched a PGDM + SAP - CXOs programme, initiated and led by its chairperson Prof. Dr Suraj Sharma. The initiative reflects the institute's continuing interest in linking management education with industry-linked learning and professional development.

The six-day tour was not merely a trip to another country. Students got to see a different environment, understand new perspectives and make memories while learning together. For RIIM Pune's students, the Dubai and Abu Dhabi trip was a reminder that management education goes beyond books and lectures.