Perhaps what sets New York University Abu Dhabi apart is its origin story. Back in October 2007 New York University announced its ambitious plan. It would open a full branch campus right here in Abu Dhabi. The government of the United Arab Emirates would finance it.
New York University Abu Dhabi started holding public events in 2008. These included academic conferences workshops and performances. The first class of 150 students arrived in September 2010.
In 2014 New York University Abu Dhabi moved to its permanent home. It is now on Saadiyat Island. Rafael Viñoly an Uruguayan architect designed the campus. He blended elements of NYU’s Greenwich Village with traditional Islamic villages. The campus has classrooms laboratories and dormitories. There are also athletic and performance facilities.
New York University Abu Dhabi is more than just a pretty campus. It’s a degree-granting portal campus of New York University. It stands as a private liberal arts college. NYU Abu Dhabi is part of NYU’s Global Network University. Along with the main sites in New York and Shanghai it creates a unique global academic network.
NYU Abu Dhabi has earned accreditation from two prestigious bodies. These are the Commission for Academic Accreditation and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This ensures the quality and credibility of its academic programs.
Since its opening in 2010 New York University Abu Dhabi has produced 22 Rhodes Scholars. This highlights the caliber of its students.
New York University Abu Dhabi offers 25 majors. These span arts humanities social sciences science and engineering. Students can earn a B.A. or B.S. degree. The university encourages students to study at NYU’s global network sites. These are located in cities like Accra Berlin and London.
The university also offers graduate and executive education programs. These include global PhD fellowships and master’s programs.
Admission to New York University Abu Dhabi is highly competitive. In 2021 the university accepted only 3% of applicants. The student body is diverse representing many countries. NYU Abu Dhabi practices need-blind admissions. This ensures accessibility for talented students.
Student life at New York University Abu Dhabi is vibrant. There are over 60 student groups covering diverse interests. These include academic arts culture and sports. The Gazelle is a weekly student-run newspaper.
New York University Abu Dhabi is home to the Desert Falcons sports teams. They compete in various sports leagues. The campus boasts modern sports facilities. These include a swimming pool gymnasium and fitness center.
New York University Abu Dhabi hosts the UAE’s first Battle of the Bands competition. The university maintains an international faculty and researchers.
New York University Abu Dhabi’s Library of Arabic Literature publishes Arabic editions and English translations. The Akkasah Center for Photography collects antique photos from the Middle East.
New York University Abu Dhabi stands as a beacon of global education. It fosters cross-cultural understanding. Its graduates are prepared to be leaders in a complex world.