Discover sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship in Dubai

Experience the epitome of luxury and innovation at ME Dubai by Melia. Housed within the iconic Opus building, this architectural masterpiece offers a unique blend of style, comfort, and cutting-edge design.

The hotel's fluid, organic forms and dramatic curves create a truly unique and inspiring atmosphere, strategically located in the heart of Dubai's business district.

You will depart on Emirates flight EK 184 from Brussels at 14h55 and arrive at 00h25 at Dubai International Airport. 

On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by Salua Daghay, who will accompany you to the ME Dubai by Melia 5*, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid.
Located in the heart of Dubai's Business Bay district, this hotel offers a stunning blend of contemporary design and unparalleled comfort.

At the hotel, you will be assisted with check-in, while enjoying a refreshing welcome drink in the impressive and futuristic lobby. 

Dubai is a city full of contrasts! Discover the multicultural alleys and multicoloured souks of old Dubai, and then travel back to the future around the Dubai International Financial Centre and Downtown Dubai.
Travel past the posh Jumeirah district with opulent Emirati villas that breathes a Californian lifestyle. Arrive in the historic Al Shindagha neighbourhood, where you'll learn how this city, born along ancient trade routes, became the world's most cosmopolitan metropolis. Experience the vibrant multicultural atmosphere of Bur Dubai's small alleys: discover the Nepalese quarter, an Ayurvedic pharmacy, a Pakistani shoemaker, Iranian mosques, an Afghan bakery, the Al Fahidi fortress, cashmere merchants and the Hindu neighbourhood. Take a boat trip across Dubai Creek on a traditional Abra ferry, past old Iranian trade shows that will remind you of bygone times! 
Travel ‘back to the future’ on the Gold Class self-propelled metro where you get a stunning view of the futuristic skyscrapers as the metro rises from the tunnels. Walk into the impressive lobby of the magnificent Museum of the Future and watch a new generation of Emiratis make science fiction come true in real life. Have lunch with stunning views of the Museum of the Future and the surrounding skyscrapers of the Financial Centre neighbourhood.
Stroll through DIFC Gate Avenue, the ‘Wall Street’ of Dubai, where Hedge Fund Managers and Top Lawyers in tight suits rush between their skyscraper offices and chic bars and restaurants.

Katleen Penel will welcome you in the trendy Fintech Hive Space meeting space, where you'll receive a deepdive into the amazing trends of Dubai.

Katja Schipperheijn welcomes you to the Dubai Design District, a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation. Take a seat in a trendy conference room where Katja, as a visionary strategist, captivates you with a dazzling keynote on human-centred innovation that fosters ecosystem thinking and drives continuous change through a learning mindset. She prepares you for a future that may already be upon us. Her innovative ideas challenge traditional dogmas and offer fresh, invaluable perspectives for entrepreneurs like you.

In addition, Katja shares her experience as an entrepreneur, leading her consulting firm, Habit Of Improvement, and the newly founded research hub, The Learning Mindset Organisation, in the UAE. Her work as a strategic advisor to organizations and government agencies like Dubai Police underscores her influence in the Middle East.

Her inspiring journey and impactful work in driving innovation, alongside her philanthropic efforts for youth, have earned her numerous awards, including: Global 200 Women Power Leaders (2024): Recognized as a visionary advocate for AI-enhanced learning ecosystems and mindset empowerment, with pioneering contributions to innovation and philanthropy, Global Woman Leadership Award for AI (Dubai 2024): Honored for advancing AI and supporting youth, Global Woman Leadership Speaker Award (Dubai 2024): Acknowledged for her inspirational keynotes and thought leadership.

Katja’s dedication to innovation and empowerment will resonate with you as an entrepreneur, inspiring you to thrive in a rapidly changing world while seizing the abundant opportunities that Dubai and the Middle East have to offer.

After lunch, you will be given a tour through time focusing on energy developement at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, by a responsible from the Dubai Electricity and Innovation. Drive into the desert where you will enter the impressive Research and Development Centre - an architectural masterpiece that embodies sustainability and innovation. At the end of the tour, you will discover Dubai's impressive efforts to achieve a sustainable future, with pioneering technologies and its ambitious projects such as the world's largest Concentrated Solar Power tower.

40 Students from HoGent will join the Hackaton at the Canadian University in Dubai, under the supervision of Katleen Penel.

Be part of this unique opportunity and register still today to secure your participation. Max. 20 seats available.

On your last evening, you will leave for the Dubai Harbour marina where a wonderful evening awaits you! When you think of ‘Dubai’, you probably picture Palm Jumeirah, the prestigious Dubai Marina or iconic structures such as the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis come to mind. But did you know that Dubai also has a runway on the sea and that the sheikhs there own their own beach palaces?

 There really is no city in the world that can match Dubai's extravagant coastline!
As the sun sets and the city is bathed in a golden glow, you will arrive at the Dubai Harbour marina, where you will board a luxurious, modern yacht for an unforgettable three-hour cruise. 

Sail past Dubai's impressive skyline, with JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) behind you. Set course for the open sea and sail around Palm Jumeirah, with its endless array of luxury resorts. Absolute highlights includes Atlantis The Palm and the spectacular Atlantis The Royal. Along the way, snacks and a relaxed atmosphere create the perfect vibe. The cruise takes you further to the iconic Burj Al Arab, where you will have the chance to admire this world-famous structure from a unique perspective. You cruise past the opulent, royal beach palaces and return towards the Dubai Marina, where you pass the impressive Ain Dubai Ferris wheel. In a quiet bay, enjoy a delicious dinner on board, while the enchanting skyline continues to surround you. For those who want, there is even the possibility to take a refreshing dip in the sea! At the end of the evening, you will dock at Dubai Harbour, where the bus will be ready to take you back to the hotel or to one of the fun beach clubs and bar in Dubai Marina or Palm Jumeirah.

Your Dubai journey ends here, but it might not be your last Dubai endeavor

After your last breakfast and check-out, you will depart on Emirates flight EK 181 back to Brussels, leaving Dubai International Airport at 14h20, arriving in Brussels at 18h45.

Packed with a suitcase full of new insights, ideas and energy, we say goodbye.

Thank you so much for being part of this networking journey.