Day 1: First Day at DCC

Yesterday, we arrived at the FORM Hotel in Dubai after a long day of travel. After resting and unpacking, we ate dinner together, along with Mr. Abdallah and the DCC staff. There was great food and great conversation - the perfect start to the internship program. After dinner we ventured to the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa for a light and fountain show.

The first day of the DSLIP internship began with each of us receiving our desk assignments, Personal Protection Equipment, and the binders that contain the material that will be covered throughout the internship. We then met with our assigned teams and each agreed upon a team name and a research topic. The “Skyscrapers” chose to research IT in the construction industry and the “Cedars of Liberty” decided to research globalization in the construction industry.

The Skyscrapers

The Cedars of Liberty

Afterwards, Mr. Bassam, Senior Planner and IT Manager, led us through each department of the Dubai Contracting Company (DCC). Through seven information sessions with teams essential to the contracting business such as procurement, planning commercial and project management, we were given an overview of the inner workings of the DCC while gaining an understanding of what topics will be covered during the duration of the internship.

After the introduction to the company, we came together for lunch - pizza from Pinza. We tried five different kinds of pizza, including Nutella pizza for dessert. The LAU students introduced the SU students to a new food combination - ketchup on pizza!

Students enjoying pizza for lunch.

Finally, Mr. Marven Al Alam, a Site Engineer at DCC, gave a lecture on both general safety measures taken by the industries in the U.S. and the U.A.E., as well as the specific practices executed by the DCC. This information serves to help us remain out of danger when on site both in our home countries and during our time in Dubai.

We will spend the rest of the night practicing for the basketball tournament and reviewing today’s material and preparing for our first site visit tomorrow.

Students with Dr. Sam and Mr. Abdallah in his office.