PolyU Students Embark on a Study Trip to Dubai

From 28 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) organised a study tour to Dubai, which provided 20 students with enriching learning experiences. The study tour was supported by the PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund administered by the Global Engagement Office. The students visited the Ducon Industries FZCO to explore a concrete production site and learned about sustainable building materials. The group also enjoyed their visits to the MIT Senseable City Lab and the Museum of the Future, gaining insights into cutting-edge robotic systems for smart city innovation. Cultural immersion trips to the old Dubai districts and the Desert Safari were also organised.

Students shared their amazing experiences after the study trip:

“My trip to Dubai was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression on me. A highlight was visiting the Dubai MIT City Lab, where I was inspired by their efforts to transform the desert into a more accessible and liveable environment. Their research in environmental engineering demonstrates advancements that could shape urban development in challenging climates. At Ducon Industries, known for its innovative reuse of construction materials, I saw sustainable solutions to construction waste, which are crucial for the industry’s future.”

-- Crystal Liang

“A highlight was visiting the Sustainable Concrete Factory, where we observed the detailed processes of producing sustainable concrete, from filtering to classifying. We learned about the differences between concrete made with and without carbon dioxide, discovering that concrete with carbon dioxide is less alkaline. This visit provided valuable insights into sustainable development and the current state of construction in Dubai, offering practical knowledge beyond textbooks.”

-- Peggy Yeung

“This one-week study tour in Dubai provided me with a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies and advanced civil engineering practices… Additionally, the cultural immersion at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding emphasised the value of cross-cultural dialogue… This transformative experience has expanded my knowledge and inspired me to apply these insights to my future projects, fostering collaboration with international partners to address global societal and environmental challenges.”

-- Karl Chan

About the PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund

The PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund aims to support PolyU undergraduate students to participate in various short-term non-local study activities. The fund provides a sponsorship of HK$4,500 for each student to cover costs related to credit-bearing or formally assessed learning activities that promote students’ global perspectives and multicultural competency.