Our Final Day in the UAE

Jasper's final day in the UAE, and let's say that today's visits around Abu Dhabi were to industries and corporations that are not on top of my list of interests in terms of study. However, as I reflected, I used this to my advantage to expanding my business mind and experiences.

The second and final business trip of our stay here in the United Arab Emirates was Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. In my opinion, this last stop was quite iconic since the UAE not only developed but prospered because of the finding of oil and ADNOC established the year the UAE formed. This country's entire reason is for fuel, but with concern for our environment building, and the depletion of the Earth's oil supplies a hot topic, you would think that this corporation would be affected. 

When prompted with this concern from a curious Manhattan College student, our lecturer eloquently shared with ADNOC's initiative and strategic plan for 2030. ADNOC is fully aware that there is a new energy era. Although they feel that they could surpass supplying oil beyond the year 2050, they plan to focus on people, performance, profitability, and efficiency with Strategy 2030. ADNOC's looming industry conundrum only inspires them to come up on top and face future challenges head-on. They see the importance of diversification and not only focusing on gas. Their strategy includes a department for artificial intelligence developments, preparing to be a competing company in the future. I am curious to know if their perspectives regarding their future genuinely correlate with the controversy that is oil and fossil fuels as well as workplace equality that myself and many other college students felt needed more explanation. 

After our lecture, ADNOC employees escorted our group through their modern, inspiring, and captivating company culture. As someone who finds her current work employer to be lacking in this area, this tour was fascinated me. I can see why employees of ADNOC are proud to call this place their second home. 

Not only are employees surrounded by stunning scenic views of their beloved city, but they never have to wander out of their skyscraper workplace for the necessities. Meeting spaces encompasses themes rich in culture, with legendary tables where significant deals conducted. Their daily 8,000 visitors, along with 12,000 employees, have access to endless food options for lunch in their state of the art cafeteria along with relaxation centers. Employees have access to an expansive gym and recreation center, fully loaded with classes, trainers, a juice bar and a wellness store. It was almost like ADNOC was recruiting Jaspers for employment, showing us their many perks! 

Never in a million years would I expect this experience to unfold as it did throughout these eight days. I would say for many, including myself, this trip was a challenge. And not the challenge that would have you feeling discouraged or unwelcome but challenged in that sense of shifting our mentalities that we once believed of this region and forming new perspectives to share with our family and friends back home. I am enlightened because of this eye-opening experience and feel quite lucky to have this apart of not only my educational experience but as a constant reminder of how important it is to meet new people, travel and see the world. 

- Amanda, MBA Student at Manhattan College