2026 Faculty Development Program in Qatar & UAE Innovations in Journalism, Film, and Visual Arts
Seminars and Panel Discussions on Innovations in Journalism, Film, and Visual Arts in ContextJuly 10 to July 19, 2026
Trip# 1076-2026-Qatar-UAE
Program Rationale
This Faculty Development Seminar provides U.S. professors and scholars with firsthand exposure to journalism practices, media innovations, and communication landscapes in the Middle East. The seminar emphasizes the role of global media networks, press freedom, and the intersection of technology, culture, and journalism in shaping narratives.
By engaging directly with media organizations such as Al Jazeera, and participating in structured seminars and panel discussions with regional experts, faculty will gain insights into comparative media systems that can enrich teaching and research in U.S. institutions.
Learning Objectives
· Examine innovations in journalism in Qatar and the UAE with a focus on global perspectives.
· Participate in seminars and roundtables with journalists, editors, and media scholars.
· Explore the cultural and political contexts that shape journalism in the Middle East.
· Strengthen international academic collaborations and potential joint research projects.
· Provide faculty participants with cross-cultural experiences that can be integrated into curricula and institutional programming.
Program Benefits for U.S. Universities
· Provides faculty development opportunities aligned with global journalism education.
· Strengthens international partnerships with leading institutions in Qatar and the UAE.
· Offers experiential learning that can be integrated into teaching and scholarship.
· Enhances university global engagement and faculty professional growth.Program Itinerary, subject to change
Please note: Some changes to the program, timetables, or venues may occur prior to the departure date.
Day 1 – Travel to Qatar (Friday)
· Departure from JFK (New York) on international flight to Doha.
Day 2 – Arrival in Doha
· Arrival at Hamad International Airport.
· Hotel check-in and rest.
· Evening at leisure.
Day 3 – Journalism & Media in Qatar
· Morning seminar: “The Evolution of Media in the Middle East.”
· Visit Al Jazeera Media Network Headquarters – guided tour and dialogue session with senior journalists.
· Explore the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif.
· Evening: Welcome Dinner at a traditional Qatari restaurant.
Day 4 – Innovations in Media & Communication
· Visit Education City – meetings with faculty at Northwestern University in Qatar (School of Communication & Journalism).
· Seminar: “Media Education and Digital Storytelling in a Global Context.”
· Tour Qatar National Library and Katara Cultural Village.
· Evening: Dhow cruise along the Corniche.
Day 5 – Cultural Contexts of Media
· Half-day desert excursion to Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea) – thematic discussion on environmental journalism.
· Evening free for independent reflection.
Day 6 – Transfer to Abu Dhabi
· Morning flight Doha → Abu Dhabi.
· Hotel check-in and rest.
· Evening at leisure.
Day 7 – Day Trip to Dubai
· Morning departure to Dubai (approx. 1.5 hrs).
· Academic exchange at the University of Dubai.
· Seminar: “Media, Culture, and Identity in the UAE.”
· Brief visit to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Media City.
· Evening return to Abu Dhabi.
Day 8 – Abu Dhabi Highlights
· Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – discussion on religion and media representation.
· Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi – session on cultural diplomacy and media storytelling.
· Overnight stay in Abu Dhabi.
Day 9 – Reflection & Closing
· Breakfast at the hotel.
· Free day for personal activities or independent exploration.
· Farewell dinner in Abu Dhabi.
· Complimentary overnight stay in Abu Dhabi.
Day 10 – Departure
· Transfer to Abu Dhabi International Airport.
· Return flight to JFK.
The Program Cost is $4,500
Single Room Policy:
Single rooms are available for an additional $600, subject to hotel availability. Payment is due 90 days before departure.
The Program Cost is $4,500
Single rooms are available for an additional $600, subject to hotel availability. Payment is due 90 days before departure.
Program Cost Covers:
· International flight JFK → Doha, return from Abu Dhabi
(flights from other U.S. states can be arranged at an additional fee).
· Domestic flight (Doha → Dubai).
· Hotels in twin-shared rooms
· Breakfast daily at the hotel.
· Workshop and seminar fees at universities.
· Organizational visits and educational tours.
· Venue rentals.
· Unless otherwise stated, transportation to and from scheduled program activities is included.
· Welcome and farewell dinners
· ARAMFO will arrange for one group transportation to and from the airport at a time when most participants will arrive in or leave the host country.
Cost Does Not Include
- Travel and health insurance.
(can be purchased from our partners here (International Travel Insurance) - Checked baggage fees on any flights.
- Airport transfers for arrivals or departures outside the main group schedule (available for an additional fee).
- Activities or meals that are not specifically listed in the itinerary.
- Tips and gratuities.
Funding Your Participation
We encourage you to seek travel and professional development funding from your institution. Many faculty members receive support through internal programs and offices listed below.
- Offices of international programs or global engagement
- Academic affairs or faculty development
- Teaching and learning centers
- Research and travel grants
- Official invitation letter and program details
- Confirmation of invited role such as presenter, panelist, session participant, or workshop contributor
- Itemized cost overview to support internal funding requests
This educational trip may be funded out of pocket or through institutional support. Schools and universities may cover the full cost or offer partial sponsorship for faculty participation.
ARAMFO Payment Plan Options
We believe every participant should be able to travel without financial stress. The plans below provide flexible options to fit different budgets.
Option 1: Pay in Full at Enrollment (No Fee)
- Pay the entire program balance at the time of enrollment.
- Accepted methods: credit card, debit card, ACH, personal checks, and bank transfers.
Option 2: Automatic Payment Plan (No Fee)
Set up automatic monthly or bi-weekly payments with no additional fees. Payments are scheduled until 30 days before departure.
How it works
- No enrollment or plan fees.
- First payment of $300 due within 30 days of registration; credited toward your total balance.
- Choose monthly or bi-weekly automatic payments.
- At least $1,500 paid no later than 90 days before departure.
- Final balance paid no later than 55 days before departure.
- You may pay off your balance early at any time without fees.
- Accepted methods: credit card, debit card, ACH, personal checks, and bank transfers.
Cancellation Policy
- 50% of the paid amount refunded between 100 and 91 days prior to departure.
- 40% of the paid amount refunded between 90 and 61 days prior to departure.
- 30% of the paid amount refunded between 60 and 51 days prior to departure.
- No refund within 50 days of departure.
Trip# 1076-2026-Qatar-UAE
