New York times University Abu Dhabi

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is a degree-granting liberal arts college established in partnership between New York University and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Announced in 2007 and launched with its first class in September 2010, NYUAD is part of NYU’s global network university, alongside its main campuses in New York and Shanghai.

The initiative was backed financially and strategically by the Abu Dhabi government to create a world-class liberal arts and sciences institution that fosters global citizenship and academic excellence. Initially operating from a temporary downtown Abu Dhabi location, the university moved permanently in 2014 to a purpose-built campus on Saadiyat Island designed by architect Rafael Viñoly.

The university recruits a highly diverse student population from around the world, emphasizing a liberal arts education that values interdisciplinary learning, research, and global engagement. At its opening, NYUAD enrolled 148 students from 39 countries and aims to grow to approximately 2,000 students.

The academic programs are broad, covering arts, humanities, sciences, and engineering, with degrees awarded jointly by NYU Abu Dhabi and the main NYU campus. The university operates primarily in English while fostering an inclusive environment that encourages interaction across cultures and disciplines.

NYUAD has garnered international recognition for academic rigor and its commitment to nurturing future global leaders. It has produced notable alumni, including 22 Rhodes Scholars since its inception.

The Abu Dhabi campus serves as a hub for research and cultural exchange, contributing to the emirate’s vision of becoming a global center for education, culture, and innovation.

The university's inaugural commencement in 2014 featured former U.S. President Bill Clinton as the keynote speaker, underscoring its global stature and ambitions.