New York University Abu Dhabi celebrates a decade of achievement

It always planned to become a leading institution in the world, says vice chancellor

The New York University Abu Dhabi campus during construction on Saadiyat Island. The university is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Silvia Razgova / The National

Students attend NYU Abu Dhabi's summer academy in July, 2011. Andrew Henderson / The National

The NYU Abu Dhabi campus under construction in July, 2009. Sammy Dallal / The National

Work continues on the campus in September, 2009. Andrew Henderson / The National

Accessories and apparel during NYU Abu Dhabi's opening week in September, 2010. Lee Hoagland/ The National

An abstract map of Abu Dhabi and New York on a wall at the campus. Lee Hoagland / The National

New York University Abu Dhabi's campus on Saadiyat Island. Photo: NYUAD

The university used temporary premises, next to the Abu Dhabi Heritage foundation, until the campus on Saadiyat island was completed. Lee Hoagland / The National

The first day of classes at the new campus on Saadiyat Island, in September 2014. Lee Hoagland/The National

NYU Abu Dhabi is a collaboration between New York University and the Abu Dhabi government. Photo: NYU Abu Dhabi

The Saadiyat Island campus in October 2014. Photo: Tamkeen

Yumi Gambrill in a laboratory at the university. She discovered that a UAE plant, Cleome rupicola, contains a substance that can be used against cataracts. Photo: NYU Abu Dhabi

Dr Ali Trabolsi, an associate professor of chemistry at NYU Abu Dhabi, led research that could help to improve cancer treatments. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The High Line at the campus, named after a park in New York City. Photo: NYU Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, during a visit to the university. Hamad Al Kaabi / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

Graduands receive their degree certificates during the university's ceremony in 2016. Christopher Pike / The National

Award-winning Ali Al Mansoori, 16, will develop her research methods under the eye of NYU Abu Dhabi scientist, Mohamed Al Sayegh. NYU Abu Dhabi

Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth, and Vice Chancellor Alfred Bloom announce the distinguished alumni award winner during a graduation ceremony. Christopher Pike / The National

From left: Mohammad Mirza, Sangeetha Mahadevan, Hayat Hassan and Rodger Iradukunda in the university’s library on the first day of term. Lee Hoagland / The National

The main library is designed with three oculi, which seep natural light throughout the premises and down through an elevated glass platform to the swimming pool and gym below. Lee Hoagland / The National

Graduands at the university's graduation ceremony in 2019. Leslie Pableo for The National

A graduation ceremony at NYUAD. Leslie Pableo for The National

Dr Wael Rabeh, an associate professor of chemistry at the university. Photo: NYU Abu Dhabi

Mohammad Qasaimeh, assistant professor of mechanical and biomedical engineering at NYUAD, demonstrates how the 3D-printed mechanical door opening mechanism works. Photo: Deepthi Unnikrishnan

Social distancing signs on campus as part of Covid-19 safety measures. Courtesy: NYU Abu Dhabi

A founding member of staff at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has described how a long-held vision to bring an academic centre of excellence to the capital became a reality.

At an event to mark the university's 10th anniversary, professor of economics Yaw Nyarko recalled heady ambitions of students 'wanting to change the world', and moving to a new campus on Saadiyat Island.

NYUAD began a two-day celebration on Tuesday in honour of the milestone.

The virtual programme included a series of discussions covering a wide range of subjects, including talks by global leaders such as former French president Francois Hollande and primatologist Jane Goodall.

Prof Nyarko spoke of discussions held 15 years ago about setting up a campus in the Emirates.

“At that time it was just really just an idea. We thought we were going to create an institution, an academic beacon to the world, academic excellence. And then 10 years ago, our university did open,” he said.

He reflected on the university's formative years operating from Sama Tower in Downtown Abu Dhabi until its purpose-built campus was ready in 2014.

“We brought those very eager students. I still remember the first cohort,” he said.

“They came in and wanted to change the world. Then we moved to Saadiyat Island.

“I remember going on a helicopter ride. We went over Saadiyat Island, and I kid you not, the place was full of sand.

“And I remember seeing gazelles, just jumping up and down. That was then. Today of course, we have a wonderful campus, many students, faculty from all different fields. We have a number of labs all over the campus.”

Success came ahead of schedule

Speaking in a media roundtable about the institution’s achievements, NYUAD vice chancellor, Mariet Westermann, said the university knew it could “create something very good” in the UAE.

She said it had always planned to become a leading institution in the world.

But it did not anticipate how fast it would achieve its goal.

“No other university in history has become a great university as fast as NYU Abu Dhabi; 10 years is a blink of an eye after all in the scope of human history,” she said, adding that its partnership with Abu Dhabi was critical.

Emirati poet and artist Shamma Al Bastaki, of the class of 2018, described her time at the university as “nothing short of magic”.

She said NYUAD is often characterised as an experiment that “observes the reverberations of an American liberal arts education” in the Arabian peninsula.

“I find the word experiment does not do NYUAD enough justice,” she said.

“In fact, I find it a little reductive. Experience to me is a better word, one that captures the expansive nature of what NYUAD has and continues to achieve.

“For those of us who have been part of the community, NYUAD is an experience in the fullest, most vibrant sense of the word.”