Specialises in Liberal arts, humanities, social sciences and engineering
Notable alumni The first class will graduate on May 25, 2014
Most popular course BA in social sciences and BA in economics
Most unusual course Arab Crossroads, a multi-disciplinary module taken by history and politics students, about how the UAE’s location has shaped its culture
Pros It’s multicultural
Cons New courses have teething problems
Campus life
Dean of students, Dave Tinagero, says, ‘From academics to athletics, clubs to community projects, NYUAD provides an educational environment where students learn about difference, commonalities and themselves. We host various events which are open to the public, such as book clubs or poetry discussions. Our blog, Saalam, is written by students and is about the activities available to them. The student body hails from 100 countries and speaks nearly that many languages, and we encourage them to immerse themselves in UAE culture.’
Student Manuel Nivia, 22, from Columbia, is a music major. He says, ‘I wanted to come to Abu Dhabi because it was something new; I wanted opportunities to explore. NYUAD appealed because it’s so multicultural and New York University (NYU) is a recognised establishment, known for its arts – although I’d say the Abu Dhabi branch is known more for economics and engineering. My university is competitive; its standards match Oxford University in the UK and Harvard in the US. NYUAD also gives you the opportunity to study abroad, especially at NYU – I took a semester there.
‘I started my BA in August 2010 and will graduate in May this year. My course has lived up to my expectations – I’ve made connections and learnt about composition, production and how recording studios are set up. I launched a monthly music event, Auhdio, to showcase musicians in alternative venues, and got involved in the music society and Abu Dhabi Christian fellowship, too.
‘An astronomy and maths club, justice league, Islamic student union and entrepreneurship, debate and Latino America societies host weekly or monthly activities. There are athletic options, too, such as archery, fencing, an equestrian club and the Brazilian martial art capoeira. The only downside for me is my course is new, so it’s had some teething problems – but that’s also an advantage as I’ve had to rely on my initiative instead of information provided by previous students. A typical day starts with reading and breakfast in the cafeteria, classes from 11am then lunch in the cafeteria. We study in Tarboosh in the World Trade Center Souk or at Argo Tea near Khalidiyah Mall. In the evenings we go for Indian around Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre or shawarma at Foodlands on Airport Road. I also like Mawaweel, a Lebanese place on the corner of Al Falah Street and Airport Road. The university is moving to a new campus on Saadiyat Island in September.’
There are no short courses for the public.
Off Airport Road, opposite Qasr Al Hosn, www.nyuad.nyu.edu (02 628 4000).
For comprehensive details of higher education, read Time Out Abu Dhabi Residents’ Guide 2014, Dhs30, Spinney’s.
