“`html
This summer, nine MIT scholars engaged across the Middle East via the MISTI Arab World Program.
“At MISTI Arab World, the most significant learning occurs when students step outside their comfort zones and immerse themselves in the vibrancy of a dynamic region,” states Maye Elqasem, the program administrator of MISTI Arab World. “Our students come back not only with enhanced technical and professional skills but also with a deeper understanding of themselves, resilience, and global consciousness.”
Since its inception in 2014, over 200 students have taken part in MISTI Arab World, granting them crucial international viewpoints while linking them to purposeful work.
“Each internship serves as a connection between MIT and the region, merging theory with practice,” Elqasem remarks.
Experiencing the Middle East firsthand
One participant this year was junior Khadiza Rahman, who is majoring in chemical and biological engineering. Originally from Bangladesh and raised in Queens, New York, Rahman hadn’t traveled outside the United States in over ten years. She spent ten weeks in Casablanca, Morocco, interning at the OCP Group, the largest phosphate mining corporation globally.
Rahman’s fascination with the region ignited last year when she enrolled in class 21H.161 (The Modern Middle East), a course facilitated by Pouya Alimagham.
“It was a transformative class. Through academic texts, my perception of the region evolved, and I recognized my own biases. It made me eager to visit the Middle East and witness it firsthand,” she explains.
Her internship was with Pixel, a sustainability startup nurtured at OCP through Le Mouvement, an internal program where employees propose business ideas during a demo day (similar to those frequently held at MIT) and receive seed funding along with workspace to initiate them.
“Pixel’s mission is to develop a comprehensive system to assist farmers worldwide in achieving better crop yields,” Rahman clarifies.
“I essentially integrated genomic, climatic, and environmental data to construct a model for delivering actionable predictions that could inform policy decisions. For instance, if we received climate data, it could forecast the biological richness and diversity of the soil.”
The experience solidified her passion for engineering and management while also challenging and motivating her in unforeseen ways. For instance, her colleagues commenced each day with tea and discussions. This “human-centered approach” is something she aspires to incorporate into her own career.
In terms of accommodation, Rahman was teamed up with another MISTI intern in an apartment located in Casablanca’s financial hub. “Initially, I felt a bit apprehensive about stepping outside my familiar apartment, but the genuine experiences offered by MISTI come from exploring the surroundings,” she shares.
A highlight was a trek in the Ourika Valley near Marrakech. “I wasn’t certain if I was physically ready for an extensive hiking trail,” she confesses. “We ascended a high mountain in the Ourika Valley. It was intimidating at first, but it transformed into an unforgettable experience, with breathtaking views of the mountain range and waterfalls. Standing at the summit, I came to the realization that I shouldn’t have doubted my abilities in the first place.”
That’s a lesson Rahman intends to carry with her, regardless of the obstacles she may face in her future career.
Leveraging AI to enhance the passenger experience
MIT senior Amitoj Singh, an electrical engineering and computer science major, joined MISTI after completing four courses in Middle Eastern history and politics. His internship with Abu Dhabi Airports merged his regional interest with his technical skills, providing him with newfound direction.
Hailing from near Los Angeles, Singh had never ventured outside North America. He first got involved with MISTI in January 2025 through a brief internship at a startup within the MITdesignX accelerator in Dubai. After assisting a fintech firm in optimizing mortgage applications in the United Arab Emirates using artificial intelligence, he sought another, lengthier work opportunity.
Elqasem collaborated closely with him to secure a position with the Abu Dhabi Airports Smart Airports Initiative.
“My skill set aligned perfectly with what the airport required, and it proved to be an ideal fit,” Singh notes.
MISTI also paired him with mentor Rajeet Sampat, a 2017-18 MIT Sloan Fellow and strategy vice president at Abu Dhabi Airports.
“My daily responsibilities in the office involved independently working on a use-case, developing an application of machine learning and AI software for predictive data analysis at Abu Dhabi Airports,” Singh reports.
The Smart Airports Initiative employs biometrics and AI to simplify travel—from facial recognition that replaces lengthy check-ins to real-time virtual simulations of airport operations.
“For instance, if an airline faces an unforeseen flight delay, air traffic controllers can easily access their virtual environment dashboard to make immediate decisions about which terminals the aircraft can park in upon arrival, thereby preventing further delays,” Singh clarifies.
Despite overseeing various airport divisions, Sampat took his mentoring obligations seriously, meeting with Singh weekly to help him identify his strengths and recognize the aspects of work that could provide long-term satisfaction.
“Very inclusive, collaborative, and inspired by startups,” Sampat characterizes the culture of his office.
For Singh, the most valuable lesson was understanding how to navigate a global workspace with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and expertise. “Whenever I encountered difficulties, there was always someone available to assist in finding a solution,” he states. “They were incredibly welcoming and collaborative.”
Singh is still in the process of exploring career options but has realized he desires work that connects him with others and “ultimately allows me to use my collegiate experiences as a pathway to help others.”
Sampat shared insightful guidance: “You may enjoy coding and constructing, but there’s another dimension in the corporate realm. I need individuals with skills like yours to also strategize and lead.” To encourage him, Sampat invited Singh to join the AI team in shaping future strategies. “That is how a coder evolves into a leader,” he explains.
To discover more about applying or collaborating with the program, visit the MISTI Arab World website.
“`