ICAT
SCMS DSU Organizes International Cultural Appreciation Tour to Dubai & Abu Dhabi for MBA Students from 24th July to 28th July
The DSU International Cultural Appreciation Tour to the United Arab Emirates was more than a trip—it was a five-day odyssey of discovery, innovation, and cultural immersion. From the golden sands of the desert to the glittering skyline of Dubai, our students experienced first-hand the blend of heritage and modernity that makes the UAE a global hub.
Day 1 – A Warm Welcome & Magical Beginnings
Touching down at Sharjah Airport on July 24, our group was greeted with warmth and excitement. The adventure began with an exploration of Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage, where students walked through historic souks, admired traditional architecture, and learned about the Emirati way of life. As evening fell, the journey moved to Dubai for a Marina Cruise. Under the starlit sky, students enjoyed a sumptuous buffet dinner while the city’s illuminated skyline shimmered in the background—an unforgettable first impression of Dubai.
Day 2 – Icons of Innovation & Modern Marvels
On July 25, the city came alive during a half-day Dubai city tour. Students witnessed the seamless mix of tradition and modernity, from bustling markets to futuristic skyscrapers. Standing atop the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, they were inspired by the city’s vision and ambition. The day continued at the Museum of the Future, a cutting-edge destination where interactive exhibits revealed what lies ahead for technology, science, and humanity.
Day 3 – Learning & Adventure in the Desert
July 26 combined academic growth with heart-pounding adventure. The morning featured an insightful guest lecture on “Career Opportunities in Dubai” by Mr. Arun Kumar S, Group Director of Dubai Limited Investment LLC. He offered practical guidance on building global careers and succeeding in a competitive international market. In the afternoon, students embarked on a thrilling desert safari, riding over golden dunes, enjoying camel rides, and experiencing live cultural performances—an immersive taste of Emirati tradition.
Day 4 – Art, Heritage & High-Speed Thrills
July 27 took the group to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a stunning architectural masterpiece that houses artworks and artifacts from civilizations around the world. Here, students connected with the shared heritage of humanity through art. The Abu Dhabi city tour revealed the capital’s grandeur, from majestic mosques to modern developments. The day ended on a high-speed note at Ferrari World, where students experienced the adrenaline rush of the world’s fastest roller coaster.
Day 5 – Knowledge Exchange & Lasting Memories
The final day, July 28, was devoted to academic collaboration with a visit to Plekhanov University, fostering dialogue and potential future partnerships. Before departure, students enjoyed a shopping experience in Dubai, bringing home souvenirs and memories to treasure.
A Transformative Journey
The DSU International Cultural Appreciation Tour was more than a travel experience—it was a holistic program of education, culture, networking, and global exposure. Students returned with a deeper understanding of cross-cultural communication, a broadened worldview, and inspiration to dream bigger.
In the words of many participants, the tour was “life-changing”—a perfect blend of learning, adventure, and friendship that will remain etched in their hearts for years to come.
International Cultural Appreciation Tour | DSU x Plekhanov University
As part of the International Cultural Appreciation Tour to Dubai, students and faculty from Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) had the enriching opportunity to visit Plekhanov Russian University of Economics – Dubai Branch.
This visit was more than just an academic interaction—it served as a bridge between cultures, ideas, and educational philosophies. Students participated in lively discussions about the future of cross-border collaboration in education.
The warm hospitality extended by Plekhanov University, combined with insightful interactions with their faculty and students, made this experience both meaningful and memorable. Such international collaborations not only broaden academic horizons but also cultivate global citizenship and intercultural respect in young minds.
International Culture Appreciation Tour- 2024 (Visit to Malaysia)
The School of Commerce and Management Studies (SCMS) at Dayananda Sagar University recently organized an International Cultural Appreciation Tour (ICAT) to Malaysia for 153 MBA students from the 2023-25 batch and 5 faculty members from 24th July to 29th July 2024. Over five days, the group visited various cultural, industrial, religious, historical, and educational sites, including Putra Jaya, Genting Highland, Batu Caves Murugan Temple, Pewter Factory, KL Tower, Help University, Kuala Lumpur Night Tours & Attractions, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, Malacca, and KL Aquaria.
On the last day, students enjoyed the mesmerizing experience of aquatic life at KL Aquaria, followed by a delightful shopping spree.
The trip, managed by Hopscotch Travel Solutions Pvt Ltd, provided students with a rich understanding of Malaysia's culture and growth, making for a memorable educational experience. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our Dean- SCMS, Capt. A. Nagaraj Subbarao, for providing us with this wonderful opportunity for international learning. His support and vision made this enriching experience possible for all of us.
International Culture Appreciation Tour- 2023 (Visit to Dubai)
School of Commerce & Management Studies, Dayananda Sagar University organized international study tour to Dubai for 5 days from 2nd Nov, 2023 to 6th Nov, 2023 for MBA 3rd Semester Students. Students along with faculties visited a number of prominent places like Marina cruise, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World, Al Hadeer Water Processing Plant, Desert Safari, and Amity University visit I Dubai. This study enhanced multicultural learning experience and provided an opportunity for students to understand different cultures, explore new places and gain practical knowledge.
ICAT – 2023 @SCMS DSU - 5 Days International Visit to Dubai
School of Commerce & Management Studies, Dayananda Sagar University organized international study tour to Dubai for 5 days from 2nd Nov, 2023 to 6th Nov, 2023 for PG Course- MBA third semester students. As per Dean- School of Commerce and Management Studies, Captain A. Nagaraj Subbarao, PhD, the main objective behind this international visit was to provide a chance for students to experience different cultures, explore new places, and gain practical knowledge that they can apply in real-life situations.
Day 1: 2nd Nov, 2023
The first day in Dubai kicked off in a fantastic way as students were taken to Marina Cruise. It was a well spent evening in the cruise enjoying their buffet in the midst of the stunning waterfront views and luxurious yachts.
Day 2: 3rd Nov, 2023
The second day gave a fascinating blend of modernity, tradition and cultural experience as the students explored the capital city of UAE, Abu Dhabi and also visited magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. By the end of the day, all the students headed to the exciting trip to Ferrari World, a thrilling theme park dedicated to the famous car brand.
Day 3: 4th Nov, 2023
Day 3 was an action-packed day that included a visit to the iconic Burj Khalifa, a city tour, and an industry visit to Al Hadeer Water Processing plant. Starting with a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world where students experienced enjoyable breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai. After the visit to Burj Khalifa, students later explored the city tour to the vibrant streets of Dubai which is known for its architectural wonders and impressive infrastructure. In addition to the city tour, Students also had the opportunity to visit Al Hadeer Water processing plant. This visit provided fascinating insights into the production and distribution of water in the region.
Day 4: 5th Nov, 2023
Day 4’s Dubai visit embarked a thrilling desert safari ride experiencing across the bashing adventure of rising and falling over sand dunes. Following this, a traditional Arabian camp awaited to enjoy a delicious dinner under the starry night sky with an entertainment of cultural performances such as belly dance, tanoura dance & live music.
Day 5: 6th Nov, 2023
On the last day of the visit to Dubai, students visited Amity University, Dubai. Students had a chance to explore the university campus, interacted with faculties and students and learnt more about the academic programs and facilities available at Amity University Dubai. This broadens the student’s horizons to understand the diverse range of programs and enhanced their multicultural learning experience.
Discovering Dubai: A Collegiate Expedition into Culture and Knowledge!
Embarking on the International Culture Appreciation Tour ( ICAT 2023), organized by our school, was an experience that blended education with exploration, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The journey began with a buzz of excitement as our group eagerly gathered at the departure point, fuelled by the anticipation of discovering a new culture and expanding our academic horizons.
Upon touchdown in the vibrant city of Dubai, the juxtaposition of modernity and tradition immediately captured our attention. The sleek skyscrapers and state-of-the-art infrastructure harmonized with the rich cultural heritage that permeated the city.
The academic aspect of the trip was both enlightening and immersive. The visit to an international university in Dubai was immensely engaging, where we attended the interactive lecture given by the faculty members of the University. The diverse perspectives offered by the international faculty and students broadened our understanding of global issues and instilled in us a sense of interconnectedness. Also, we had an Industry visit to AL HADEER WATER, wherein we learnt about water treatment.
Beyond the academic pursuits, the trip was a cultural odyssey. We explored the historical sites, wandered through bustling markets, and marvelled at the architectural wonders that define Dubai's skyline. The city's blend of tradition and modernity became apparent as we visited the Dubai Grand Mosque, the iconic Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina Cruise, Ferrari World and the vibrant neighbourhoods that showcased the kaleidoscope of cultures coexisting in this cosmopolitan hub.
The camaraderie among our group flourished during our leisurely moments, from desert safaris to traditional Arabian nights. These shared experiences fostered bonds that transcended the boundaries of our academic pursuits, creating a network of friendships that will endure long after our return.
As we bid farewell to Dubai, our hearts were filled with gratitude for the enriching experience provided by our business school. The Dubai University trip not only deepened our academic knowledge but also broadened our perspectives, fostering a global outlook that will undoubtedly shape our future endeavours. This journey was a testament to the transformative power of education and the boundless opportunities that lie beyond the confines of our campus.
Lastly, on behalf of the entire ICAT group, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the warm hospitality and incredible support extended by our dean, the faculty and staff members who supported us throughout the tour. The school and University have taken great pains to organize ICAT 2023 brilliantly. It was a great learning experience!
SCMS, MBA ( 2021-2023 ) students on an international culture tour to Malaysia. The one-week program exposes our students to an international culture which promotes diversity, an understanding of globalization and an ability to work with foreigners. The International Culture Appreciation Tour (ICAT) is an important part of our pedagogy and an annual event.
