
Business + Culture
Unique Experiences
TOUR THE NEWLY BUILT ABRAHAMIC FAMILY HOUSE
WHICH HOUSES PLACES OF WORSHIP FOR THE THREE MONOTHEISTIC RELIGIONSG
VISIT THE BURJ KHALIFA
THE TALLEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD
SHADOW STAFF AT THE EMIRATES GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL
A NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION THAT PROMOTES AND EDUCATES SUSTAINABILITY
Your Destination
Abu Dhabi is the United Arab Emirates’ dynamic capital, renowned for its rapidly growing economy, cutting-edge innovation, and deep-rooted cultural heritage. As a global hub for finance, technology, and international business, Abu Dhabi offers exceptional opportunities for students studying business and culture. The city’s blend of modern skyscrapers, traditional souks, and iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi provides an inspiring backdrop for academic and professional growth. With its bustling markets, world-class dining, vibrant festivals, and stunning Arabian Gulf coastline, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to study abroad while immersing yourself in one of the world’s most forward-thinking and culturally rich cities.

Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
- Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities.

Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Abu Dhabi will open doors for you to explore the United Arab Emirates’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Join clubs to connect with successful entrepreneurs, work on innovative projects, and benefit from cross-cultural business experiences
- Learn to cook traditional Emirati dishes alongside recipes from various cultures, enhancing your culinary skills
- Be part of tree planting exercises where you volunteer with the local community to plant indigenous trees to save the environment
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Abu Dhabi offers housing to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
Standard Housing: Includes double occupancy housing with convenient access to shopping, supermarkets restaurants, cafes, and public transportation.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Meals are not included in this program. Students can eat out in many of the restaurants and cafés in the city.
Academics
CIEE Abu Dhabi: Study in Abu Dhabi, a global city where tradition and innovation thrive side by side. From futuristic skyscrapers to bustling souks and serene desert landscapes, experience the unique blend of heritage and progress that defines this Middle Eastern hub.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO


- International Marketing
- Sustainable Tourism
- Business and Sustainability
- Engineering, Sustainability, and Society
- Building Sustainable Cities
- Sustainable Development in the 21st Century
- Culture and Cuisine in the Emirates
- Politics of Religion
- International Relations and Diplomacy in the Middle East
- Arabic Language - Beginning I
- Internship Seminar
- Service-Learning Project
- Directed Independent Research
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Abu Dhabi's work scene is dynamic, offering a wealth of internship opportunities in finance, energy, tourism, healthcare, and technology. Both multinational corporations and fast-growing startups provide hands-on experience in an innovative and rapidly evolving economy. Abu Dhabi's diverse professional environment reflects the city's strategic focus on innovation, economic growth, and global connectivity.

Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

Manufacturing
Study global supply chains, production technologies, and international business strategies in England, Singapore, and more.

Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Deepen your understanding of international trade dynamics, supply chains, and logistics in firms, agencies, and centers.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
---|---|---|---|---|
Program Spring 2026 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Kwasi Gyasi-Gyamerah. Ph.D.
Regional Director of Operations for Africa and the Middle East
Born and raised in Ghana, Kwasi has a PhD from the College of Education of the University of Ghana.
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!