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This page is the brochure for your selected program.

Locations: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Program Terms: Fall, Spring
Homepage: Click to visit
Program Sponsor: CIEE

Dates / Deadlines:

Dates / Deadlines:
Term	Year	App Deadline	Decision Date	Start Date	End Date
Spring	2027	10/01/2026	10/01/2026	01/05/2027	03/31/2027
Spring	2028	02/15/2027 **	Rolling Admission	TBA	TBA
Fall	2027	04/01/2027	04/01/2027	08/13/2027	12/20/2027
** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.

Fact Sheet:

Fact Sheet:
Language of Instruction:	English	Minimum GPA:	2.5

Program Description:

Sustainable Smart Cities

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Sustainable Smart Cities program in Abu Dhabi lasts 12 weeks and provides an in-depth look at how the UAE's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Abu Dhabi while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Abu Dhabi!

Unique Experiences

Visit Masdar City

to experience the latest innovations in renewable energy and smart city technologies

Explore the Al Ain Oasis

to discover how the traditional oasis system is being sustained and integrated into modern water conservation efforts

Tour Abu Dhabi's green buildings

to learn about the city's architectural design that promotes energy efficiency and environmental sustainability

Learn More About Abu Dhabi

Your Destination

Abu Dhabi is the UAE's sustainable smart city celebrated for its world-class green infrastructure, innovative urban planning, and commitment to carbon neutrality. As a leader in renewable energy, the city offers smart solutions, efficient transit, and eco-friendly design. Explore Masdar City, the Corniche, Al Ain Oasis, and a vibrant startup scene. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to study abroad.

Housing

CIEE Abu Dhabi offers housing to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. By living with colleagues in shared apartments, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.

Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Abu Dhabi will open doors for you to explore the UAE's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of excursions and activities:

Explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s rich collection of local and regional artifacts to gain insight into the history, culture, and traditions of the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East
Tour the newly built Abrahamic Family House, which houses places of worship for the three monotheistic religions, where the UAE promotes peace, dialogue, and cultural understanding
Visit the upcoming Zayed National Museum to learn about the UAE's history before oil discovery in the 1940s, when its people were mainly pearl divers and fishermen

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Academics

CIEE Abu Dhabi: Study in Abu Dhabi, a global city where tradition and innovation thrive side by side. From futuristic skyscrapers to bustling souks and serene desert landscapes, experience the unique blend of heritage and progress that defines this Middle Eastern hub.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 6-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

View CIEE's program page for additional academic information, eligibility requirements, and courses.

Internships

Abu Dhabi's work scene is dynamic, offering a wealth of internship opportunities in finance, energy, tourism, healthcare, and technology. Both multinational corporations and fast-growing startups provide hands-on experience in an innovative and rapidly evolving economy. Abu Dhabi's diverse professional environment reflects the city's strategic focus on innovation, economic growth, and global connectivity.

Industry options include:

Business Management and Administration
Hospitality and Tourism
Transportation, Distributino and Logistics

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - Up to $1,500 toward travel costs guaranteed to students with a FAFSA SAI of $10,000 or less. Higher should still apply!

Gilman Go Global Grants - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $1,000 guaranteed to Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship applicants.

Merit-Based Scholarships - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $750/summer awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Learn More About Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition
Housing
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation – an introduction to your academic program, plus practical information about living in your host city
Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext Travel Protection
24/7 emergency on-site support

Why CIEE

200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
$8 million in scholarships offered each year
1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
Study tours and cultural activities included
Internships and volunteering opportunities
Rigorous academics
Cultural immersion
iNext Travel Protection included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.