Spelman Students Explore Innovation Through a New Lens in the UAE 

IFSA | January 27, 2026

In January, students from Spelman College visited the Middle East with IFSA for a unique interdisciplinary experience. Joining students from Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, and Russia at Abu Dhabi University, the group completed a seven-day deep dive into United Arab Emirates economic progress, sustainability efforts, and culture.  

With Abu Dhabi as their laboratory, students learned how the UAE is focusing on tech, green energy, and business to decrease dependency on oil. Connecting with different sectors of society and exploring media trends, healthcare delivery, and business strategies gave them a firsthand look.   

“Sustainability is not an afterthought in Abu Dhabi,” noted Spelman student Lauren F. “It is a priority in everything from wellness-focused urban planning to energy initiatives at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.” 

Beyond academics, cultural experiences brought understanding of local heritage from visiting mosques and watching pearl divers to experiencing Burj Khalifa. 

Learning with global peers was another advantage, as Lauren noted: “Our conversations about health care systems, policy, and cultural norms challenged assumptions, encouraged empathy, and reminded me how important collaboration across backgrounds is for solving big problems.”  

This marked the second year that ADU hosted this international program, aligned with national efforts to internationalize education. Wayne James, PhD, from IFSA worked closely with Spelman’s Dimeji Togunde, PhD, to fine-tune the experience to meet Spelman objectives. Read more about Lauren’s experience on our site.