From Leeds to Cairo - Doing Business in the Middle East
The Onsi Sawiris School of Business aspires to be a gateway to world-class business education rooted in Egypt and the Middle East as a locally grounded institution with an unwavering international standard. The Doing Business in the Middle East Program (DBiME) upholds this mission, opening doors for student visits from all around the world.
On April 6, we hosted 20 undergraduate students from Leeds University Business School. The week-long trip was nothing short of remarkable. From classes given by faculty to practical insights from Egyptian industry leaders, the study tour offered an enriching academic journey, complemented by unforgettable cultural experiences.
A Phenomenal Learning Experience
During the tour, students were exposed to the different facets that make up the business landscape in Egypt. From entrepreneurship and branding to the fundamentals of the MENA region’s economy, the study tour encapsulated the key knowledge points that students need to know in order to do business in the Middle East.
This experience not only focuses on giving the students a solid theoretical understanding, but it is also deeply rooted in the context of the region; with industry-focused sessions on areas such as sports marketing and tourism, students were able to explore areas that are uniquely influential within the Egyptian market.
“The program has been a learning experience for our international business students. It offered an amazing balance of academic insight, cultural immersion and corporate engagement, giving our students a deep understanding of the MENA region's business dynamics and global relevance,” said Andy Smith, director of student education for the International Business Department.
An Industrial Encounter
What makes DBiME a special experience is its immersive edge, offering industry visits that are designed to demonstrate to students how key players in the Egyptian business landscape function. In this tour, students had the opportunity to visit the Domty and P&G plants as well as meet the CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Domty, Mohamed El Damaty. Many students enjoyed the contrast between both, with each having its own unique features that made it stand out.
As Charlie Fullerton, one of the students said, “When we went to the Domty headquarters, we got to meet the CEO and that is something you wouldn’t get the opportunity to see in the UK. I was able to ask the person who is actually running the company questions, and find out more about the business firsthand”.
A Cultural Dream
While the program focuses on academia and professional advancement, Egypt’s unique cultural context remains at the heart of the experience. Visits to cultural landmarks like the Pyramids, Khan El-Khalili and El Moez embellished the tour, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
“I know it’s a study tour, but the culture and exploring all the places here is something else,” said Summer Heeks, one of the students who were visiting Egypt for the first time ever. Another student, Louis Bulpitt said, “The experience was a 10 out of 10 both in terms of fun and education - Egypt is beautiful and the hustle and bustle in Cairo is really good”.