Center for Social Innovation

In an era of heavy dependence on oil and increasingly scarce energy sources, why is it that some nations reap the rewards of their natural resource endowments while others flounder economically, remaining underdeveloped and impoverished? This trip examines how the United Arab Emirates and Oman have risen to the challenge to build sustainable, knowledge-based economies, explored through the lenses of rule of law, infrastructure, economic zoning, labor, and education. The trip will also enrich our understanding of the Middle East through activities that highlight the unique cultural, religious and historical contexts of these fascinating countries.

Trip highlights

• Visit public, private, and non-profit sector organizations to gain context on the region's complexity
• See the world's first carbon neutral city, the world’s tallest building, and the Grand Mosque
• Participate in service activities at a local school and with aspiring entrepreneurs

Faculty Advisor

David Bradford, Senior Lecturer Emeritus
Research focus: Leadership, interpersonal influence, and executive teams, especially in determining conditions of the "feedback rich organization"