Doing Business in the Middle East: CEIBS EMBA Students Explore Egypt’s Business Landscape
As a testament to the school’s dedication to global academic collaboration, the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo (AUC) welcomed a distinguished group of executive MBA students and alumni from the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) for a transformative study tour in Cairo.
As part of the Doing Business in the Middle East (DBiME) program, the visit focused on exposing senior professionals to the nuances of conducting business in emerging markets.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Egypt’s dynamic capital, the week-long program provided participants with a deep dive into the economic, geopolitical and cultural forces shaping the region. From the lecture hall to the streets of Old Cairo, this study tour offered a truly holistic experience.
Local Expertise Meets Global Business Education
At the heart of the program, there was a series of expert-led academic sessions curated to deliver a robust understanding of Egypt’s economic environment, political context and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Participants gained valuable insights from the school’s leading faculty with sessions highlighting Egypt’s economic development, start-up landscape, foreign direct investment sentiment and modern history. The academic component concluded with a thoughtful reflection session led by CEIBS faculty, encouraging participants to synthesize their learnings and engage in cross-cultural exchange of perspectives.
Learning Beyond the Classroom Through Industry Visits
To complement the theoretical frameworks, the group visited top companies representing key industries in Egypt. These visits provided firsthand insights into operational strategies and investment opportunities. Some highlights included a tour at PICO Agricultural Farm, one of Egypt’s leading agribusinesses, led by Hatem El Ezzawy, managing director. Additionally, the CEIBS delegation visited Midea Group’s regional headquarters, where participants learned about the operations and supply chain strategies shaping the home appliance giant. These engagements allowed participants to engage directly with local business leaders, understand operational realities and explore investment opportunities within the Egyptian market.
Understanding Culture: A Key to Effective Business
Conducting business in a new market requires more than economic knowledge; it demands an appreciation of the people, history and values that shape the region. That’s why cultural immersion was a vital part of the CEIBS study tour, which included visits to Old Cairo, the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, as well as the state-of-the-art Grand Egyptian Museum, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich history.
Global Experience and Lifelong Connections
The CEIBS study tour went beyond academic learning, forging strong connections between participants and the institutions involved.
Sandy SHI, the CEIBS trip coordinator, described the visit as a transformative experience, saying:
“Students described the visit to Egypt as a transformative experience that bridged history and modern society, offering firsthand insight into the country’s culture, economy and daily life. Their reflections highlighted the value of combining academic theory with real-world exposure, making this module highly recommended for future participants.”
Equipping Leaders for a Globalized World
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, initiatives like Doing Business in the Middle East play a vital role in equipping business leaders with the global mindset, cultural intelligence and regional knowledge needed to thrive.
The Onsi Sawiris School of Business is proud to partner with CEIBS to create impactful learning experiences that inspire change and foster collaboration across borders.