Abu Dhabi Immersive Study Tour

Extend your Global Research Management Summit (GRMS) experience by immersing yourself in the United Arab Emirates’ dynamic capital city. This three-day Abu Dhabi Study Tour offers unparalleled access to some of the region’s most forward-looking universities and research institutions. Through site visits, in-depth discussions, and peer-to-peer exchanges, participants will gain insights into how Abu Dhabi is shaping the future of research, innovation, and higher education, and how those lessons can inform global collaboration.
 
This tour is designed for active engagement. Members of the cohort are expected to contribute, share perspectives, and join in meaningful dialogue with colleagues and host institutions.

If you are interested in joining the Abu Dhabi Study Tour, please submit a Notice of Interest below. Submission of a Notice of Interest is required for consideration but does not guarantee participation. All submissions will be reviewed to ensure a well-rounded cohort of participants representing diverse perspectives and professional backgrounds. Applicants will be notified of their status via email by the end of December.
 
The deadline for interest is December 5, 2025. After this date submissions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, contingent upon available space.

Submit Your Notice of Interest by December 5

By the end of the Study Tour, participants will be able to:

    • Compare international approaches to research development, funding, and policy.
    • Identify opportunities for institutional partnerships and global benchmarking.
    • Apply lessons learned from UAE institutions to strengthen their own organization’s strategy and support systems.
    • Enhance leadership and collaboration skills by engaging in cross-cultural dialogue.
    • Recognize how innovation-focused institutions drive national and regional priorities.

This program is designed for senior and emerging leaders in research and innovation support offices at research-performing organizations. It is ideal for professionals committed to learning and sharing best practices in research policy, strategy, and administration. We also welcome research funding organization representatives seeking international perspectives and collaboration opportunities.

Date Institution / Activity Focus & Highlights
Sunday, May 3 Welcome Dinner Opening evening reception to introduce participants, set expectations, and foster connections and collaboration among the cohort.
Monday, May 4 New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Explore how NYUAD integrates research infrastructure within a liberal arts framework, emphasizing global partnerships and cross-border collaboration.
Tuesday, May 5 TBD TBD
Wednesday, May 6 Khalifa University Enterprises Company Examine how research commercialization and innovation ecosystems are driving economic growth across the Emirates.

Additional Information: Afternoons and evenings are open for participants to enjoy personal exploration or optional excursions around the city. 

Hotel information will be announced soon. Participants are responsible for booking and financially supporting their own hotel accommodations; lodging costs are not included in the event registration fee. A recommended hotel will be identified as the group’s central meeting point each morning for departure to scheduled site visits.
 
Daily transportation between the designated hotel and tour sites will be provided. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as any additional local transportation outside of scheduled activities.

Once participation is confirmed, accepted participants will receive a registration link with payment instructions. Participants are responsible for their own registration fees, travel expenses, and lodging arrangements.
 
Registration includes:
  • Welcome Dinner with fellow participants and Study Tour leaders
  • Study Tour experiences at three local institutions
  • Lunches provided at each host institution
  • Group transportation between institutions
  • A facilitated cohort experience led by the Study Tour Coordinators to enhance learning and connection throughout the program
 
Attendees are responsible for their own hotel bookings, evening activities, and any additional sightseeing. SRAI may coordinate optional group excursions for interested participants; however, these excursions will not be covered by the registration fee.

Can't join us for a 3-day Study Tour? Join us for a one-day tour after the conference in Dubai on April 30. Registration will open in December.

Pricing

Three-day Study Tour in Abu Dhabi:

$1,195 USD

Why Participate?

  • Gain direct access to UAE research institutions and leaders.
  • Contribute to dialogues between global research managers and UAE-based administrators.
  • Learn from diverse models of research development in higher education and innovation-focused institutions.
  • Expand your international network and build relationships for future collaborations.
  • Experience cultural and institutional contexts that shape regional research ecosystems.

Global Voices, Shared Tomorrow: The Future of Research Management

An event designed for research management professionals, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in the research lifecycle.

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