Kayla Vargas is an MBA ’26 candidate with a background in technology who participated in the new MBA International Study Trip, Global Energy Transformation in Dubai. Below, she reflects on how site visits with global energy and infrastructure leaders in Dubai offered firsthand insight into sustainability, innovation, and leadership in a rapidly evolving global hub.
My time on the Ivey MBA study trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi was one of the most enriching experiences of the program. This trip offered a look at how global business, sustainability, and culture intersect in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. Over the course of the week, we engaged with leaders shaping the future of energy, trade, and urban development, while also gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultural context that underpins decision-making in the UAE.
Sustainable energy at scale
Our trip began with a visit to ACWA Power, which set the intellectual tone for everything that followed. In a discussion led by Lana El Chaar, Vice President of Talent Management and Capability Building, and Ozgur Serin, Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy, we were introduced to the complexities of advancing sustainable energy at scale. Rather than focusing solely on technology, the conversation challenged us to think critically about the broader business realities behind the energy transition, including long-term investment horizons, global partnerships, and the trade-offs leaders must navigate to deliver both economic and environmental outcomes. The session encouraged us to move beyond simplified views of sustainability and instead consider it as a strategic, system-level challenge, providing a strong foundation for how we approached our course-based business challenge.
Global trade and infrastructure in practice
Building on this foundation, our visit to DP World offered insight into how sustainability and innovation are reshaping global trade and logistics. As one of the world’s leading port operators, DP World plays a critical role in enabling global commerce. Our discussions highlighted how large-scale infrastructure organizations are integrating technology, automation, and sustainability initiatives to improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact. What stood out was the scale at which these decisions are made and the ripple effects they have across supply chains, industries, and economies worldwide.
Masdar City: A vision for sustainable urban development
In Abu Dhabi, our visit to Masdar City brought the concept of sustainability into a tangible, urban context. Designed as a hub for clean technology and sustainable living, Masdar City illustrates how forward-looking planning can integrate renewable energy, low-carbon design, and innovation into everyday life. Walking through and riding in its autonomous vehicles, reinforced the idea that sustainability is not just an energy challenge, but an urban, social, and economic one that requires collaboration across sectors and a long-term vision.
Culture as context
Complementing our corporate visits was a rich cultural experience in Abu Dhabi, including time at historic and architectural landmarks. These moments grounded our business learnings in a deeper understanding of the UAE’s history, values, and rapid evolution. They reinforced an important lesson: effective leadership and strategy are deeply shaped by cultural context.
Reflections on global leadership
This study trip fundamentally expanded my perspective on what it means to lead in a global, interconnected economy. From energy and infrastructure to culture and innovation, the experience reinforced that the most impactful business decisions are those that balance ambition with responsibility. As my first time visiting the Middle East, the trip was especially eye-opening.
Experiencing a new culture, way of life, and business environment firsthand pushed me to reflect on my own assumptions and broaden how I think about leadership on a global scale.
It was a deeply immersive experience navigating new cities, engaging in thoughtful conversations, and learning directly from leaders shaping the region’s future. I left the UAE with a deeper sense of curiosity and appreciation for the diversity of perspectives that exist in global business.
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