Latest news with #NYUAD
Gulf Today
7 days ago
- Science
- Gulf Today
NYUAD celebrates Class of 2025 graduates
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) hosted its 12th commencement ceremony to honour the Class of 2025. Some 530 students representing over 85 countries participated in the largest graduating class that NYUAD has held since its inception in 2011. The ceremony was attended by a number of officials, as well as members of the university's administrative and academic bodies, including Evan R. Chesler, Chair of the NYU Board of Trustees; Rima Al Mokarrab, NYU Trustee; and Linda Mills, NYU President. The keynote speech was delivered by former NASA astronaut and geophysicist Andrew Feustel. 'It's been said that luck is where preparation meets opportunity, and with opportunity comes obligation. You now have an opportunity to launch from this place and continue your life mission. You also have an obligation to strive to work to the best of your ability to reach your mission objectives along this path,' said Feustel. From its inception, NYUAD has been one of the most selective higher education institutions in the world. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 35 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest globally ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYUAD's current student body consists of some 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds. To date, it has produced 24 Rhodes Scholars, 20 Schwarzman Scholars, and 16 Fulbright Scholars. Approximately four percent of those who applied to be a part of the Class of 2025 were accepted for admission, and the standardised test profile of the Class of 2025 matched those of the most elite higher education institutions in the US. During their four years, the Class of 2025 has excelled in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. It has participated in student clubs, athletic groups, and built ties with the Abu Dhabi community. WAM
Al Etihad
22-05-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
NYUAD showcases cutting-edge innovations - all made in the Emirates
23 May 2025 00:45 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) showcased a suite of homegrown innovations at Make it in the Emirates in Abu Dhabi, including brain-controlled prosthetics, one-of-a-kind UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), and sustainable building materials. Mind-Controlled Prosthetics for Neurodegenerative ConditionsSpeaking with Aletihad, Abdul Basit, a research engineer at NYUAD, explained how a brain-controlled prosthetic arm developed at the university's eBRAIN Lab works. Using EEG (electroencephalogram) signals collected through electrodes placed on the scalp, the team is developing AI-driven systems that interpret brain activity and translate it into precise movements in a robotic arm. "This technology is primarily aimed at patients suffering from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and MS (Multiple Sclerosis), paralysis or other neurodegenerative conditions for whom traditional EMG-based systems are not viable," Basit said. "We're also integrating gaze-tracking to make the interface more intuitive – allowing users to simply look at an object and think about an action to initiate it."The project is currently in the research and development phase. Basit noted that the team is currently working on optimising signal interpretation, reducing hardware complexity, and enabling real-time performance on edge added that the eBRAIN Lab is also developing AI-based MRI analysis for detecting MS lesions and brain tumours, which leverages multi-modal large language models to assist radiologists with diagnostic recommendations. Omni-Directional Drones and Humanoid Telepresence Robots At the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Postdoctoral Associate Mahmoud Hamandi and his team developed the OmniOcta UAV – the world's first fully functional battery-powered omnidirectional drone using only fixed, unidirectional thrusters. Unlike traditional drones that tilt to manoeuvre, the OmniOcta can hover, rotate and fly at extreme angles, such as a 90° roll, thanks to its eight precisely angled thrusters calculated via a custom optimisation algorithm."This makes it ideal for inspection in confined spaces, as well as for physical interaction tasks like pushing objects or even unscrewing a lightbulb," Hamandi explained. "It's also entirely self-contained and robust, requiring no external power or mechanical tilting." Sustainable Construction Material From NYUAD's Advanced Materials and Building Efficiency Research Laboratory (AMBER Lab), research scientist Inderjeet Singh presented two game-changing sustainable construction materials. This includes SaltCrete, a magnesium-based cement developed at the AMBER Lab using reject brine from desalination and calcium carbide slag. This process not only reuses industrial waste but also captures carbon dioxide during curing, making it a potential carbon sink, according to other material is Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), which combines calcined clay and limestone to reduce emissions by 40% compared to traditional cement. "SaltCrete reduces emissions by around 50% and supports waste valorisation, while LC3 is currently being tested in marine environments to build eco-friendly sea walls that preserve biodiversity," Singh said.
Gulf Today
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Water! from Guinea's Circus Baobab at NYUAD The Arts Center
The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is presenting the Middle East debut of Yé ! Water! by Guinea's Circus Baobab, a high-energy fusion of contemporary West African circus, hip hop, and environmental storytelling (May 9, 10). The family-friendly show will be staged in The Red Theater at The Arts Center at NYUAD. Set against the backdrop of Guinea's vibrant traditions and modern realities, Yé ! Water! is a vital and visually stunning experience — perhaps the perfect summer entertainment option for families, students and art lovers across Abu Dhabi. Using African circus in a dynamic and poetic expression of environmental issues, Yé ! Water! is a call to build a better world for tomorrow together — one in which humans take more heedful care of nature and its future. Aligning with the UAE's ongoing commitment to building a sustainable future and a cast of flying acrobats, contortionists, breakdancers and musicians, Yé ! Water! delivers a compelling and urgent message about the global water crisis. The production transforms circus into a vibrant, thought-provoking art form that celebrates culture, resilience, and the power of human connection. A performer in flight. Executive Artistic Director at The Arts Center at NYUAD Bill Bragin said that 'since the beginning of The Arts Center a decade ago, sustainability and the environment have been recurring themes in our programming. We've also made a strong commitment to contemporary circus as a form which is hugely entertaining for the whole family, while also being able to engage in conversations about important issues. Circus Baobab's Yé brings both of these interests together, in a dynamic circus performance of West African acrobatics and hip-hop dance, inspired by the prevalence of single-use plastic water bottles in our lives.' Through pyramids, aerial choreography and kinetic storytelling, the artists of Circus Baobab take audiences on a journey through the environmental challenges facing the planet. As they leap, lift and defy gravity, the performers symbolically reflect humanity's struggle and durability in the face of ecological collapse. Their movements become a visual metaphor for both fragility and strength, urging viewers of all ages to take action for a sustainable future. The May 9 performance will feature a post-show Q&A moderated by Chinasa Ezugha, Assistant Arts Professor of Live Art/Art as Social Practice in the Theater programme at NYUAD, offering a deeper insight into the themes and creative process behind the production. As part of the Off the Stage presented by Mubadala series, The Arts Center will also host a special Acrobatics Workshop led by Circus Baobab on May 6, open to participants aged 12 and older. The workshop introduces techniques such as balancing, human pyramids, and creative games designed to build trust and community through movement. The participants could have varying styles and levels, but it's an ideal opportunity for circus enthusiasts, dancers and curious learners, to connect with the company's special physical language. Founded in 1998, Circus Baobab is a collective of performers from Guinea and the diaspora, blending traditional African circus techniques with contemporary performance styles. Under the artistic leadership of Kerfalla Camara, the company creates works that celebrate heritage while addressing pressing global issues, with a strong commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. After evolving through various creative phases, including the Térya Circus project, Circus Baobab was revitalised in 2021, continuing its mission to innovate, uplift, and connect through performance. A self-taught circus innovator and founder of Cirque Inextremiste, Yann Ecauvre is known for pushing the boundaries of balance and performance. His projects range from jazz-circus collaborations to aerial shows in hot-air balloons. A master of theatrical risk and visual storytelling, Ecauvre brings a spirit of bold experimentation and humanist values to Yé !, where his creative vision translates urgency and unity into acrobatic expression. In doing so, he creates a world in which individuals are in tight interdependence, and where solidarity and listening to others enable the survival of the group. Presenting music, theatre, dance, film and interdisciplinary performances, The Arts Center at NYUAD is a performing arts centre that presents distinguished professional artists from around the world alongside student, faculty, and community productions. The Center draws on the resources of NYUAD to create a space for research, investigation, and the active pursuit of knowledge and wisdom for audiences as well as visiting artists. NYUAD is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making it the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYUAD integrates a selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world centre for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity's shared challenges. NYUAD's high-achieving students come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of the global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Agility Global partners with startAD
NYUAD-hosted programs include the University Student Entrepreneurship Program and the Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers Programs to address opportunities and challenges for female business owners in the UAE Abu Dhabi – Agility Global PLC, a multi-business owner and operator and long-term investor in global and regional businesses, has announced its support for two key programs organized by startAD, powered by Tamkeen and anchored at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), aimed at fostering the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs. These initiatives will empower young innovators and business leaders by equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and skills needed to build scalable ventures, with a particular emphasis on supporting Emirati women in entrepreneurship. The UAE has rapidly emerged as a leading startup hub in the GCC, with 5,600 new firms registered in Q2 2024 alone, reflecting the country's business-friendly policies and commitment to economic diversification. Recognizing this momentum, Agility Global is deepening its engagement with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem through its support of startAD. The first initiative, the University Student Entrepreneurship Program, will support up to 20 students from NYUAD and the wider UAE. The students will be upskilled and receive guidance on various aspects of the venture creation process including identifying market gaps, formulating business models, and creating minimum viable products. . Agility Global's contribution will be instrumental in providing structured training and upskilling support to students , ensuring students gain practical insights into entrepreneurship and innovation. In parallel, from Agility Global will support the Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers, a pioneering program dedicated to empowering visionary Emirati women in business and innovation from February to August 2025, . Studies highlight a notable increase in women entrepreneurs in the UAE over the last decade, driven by government and private sector initiatives. A recent study by Mastercard found that 84% of women in the UAE are considering starting their own business with more women (49%) identifying as entrepreneurs than men (47%) - reflecting the country's rapidly evolving business landscape. Despite significant strides in female entrepreneurship in the UAE, challenges remain. Another recent report by Visa found that access to funding remains a critical challenge for UAE women entrepreneurs, with 57% of women-owned businesses in the UAE relying on personal finances. This makes programs like the Impact Hub essential for equipping women with the skills and networks needed to succeed. Through this program, Emirati women innovators will benefit from expert coaching, skills training, focused on transformational leadership and catalyzing innovation ecosystems. The initiative will also facilitate participation in digital and in-person forums, creating opportunities for professional growth and collaboration. , Agility Global will align its support with women-led ventures that intersect with its strategic business interests in the region. 'Entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of economic diversification, innovation, and sustainable development. By supporting startAD's programs, we are investing in the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs—both university students and women business leaders—who will shape the future of the UAE's knowledge economy. These initiatives align with our commitment to fostering talent, empowering communities, and driving meaningful change through innovation. We are proud to collaborate with startAD and NYU Abu Dhabi to create opportunities that equip young business leaders with the skills and networks they need to thrive,' said Frank Clary, Vice President, Sustainability at Agility Global. Ashwin Joshi, startAD Director, added: 'Our partnership with Agility will accelerate the next wave of UAE entrepreneurship by equipping emerging leaders with the skills and networks to succeed. With 77.6% of women-owned businesses led by entrepreneurs under 40 and venture funding set to exceed $2 billion by 2024, this collaboration—through the sponsorship of the University Student Entrepreneurship Program and the Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers —will drive innovation, industry transformation, and long-term economic growth in the UAE.' startAD was launched in 2016 by Tamkeen in partnership with NYU Abu Dhabi. It has played a pivotal role in enabling early-stage startups to develop and scale in collaboration with local and global partners. Anchored at NYU Abu Dhabi, startAD is committed to driving the UAE's transition into a knowledge-based economy, in alignment with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. startAD equips startups, SMEs, and aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills, frameworks, and industry connections needed to turn innovative ideas into commercially viable ventures. Through this collaboration, Agility Global highlights its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in the UAE, supporting the nation's ongoing efforts to cultivate a thriving startup ecosystem. By investing in the next generation of business leaders, Agility Global and startAD are helping to shape a future where Emirati entrepreneurs drive innovation and economic progress on a global scale. About Agility Global Agility Global is a multi-business operator and long-term investor in global and regional businesses. Its portfolio of diversified international assets includes the world's largest aviation services company (Menzies Aviation); a global fuel logistics business (Tristar); a leading logistics parks developer and operator across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (Agility Logistics Parks); and other businesses in digital logistics, e-commerce logistics, remote-site services, and public-sector logistics. It holds minority stakes in DSV, the world's third-largest freight forwarder; Reem Mall, a mega-mall in Abu Dhabi; commercial real estate and supply chain companies in the GCC, and emerging technology companies in e-commerce enablement, energy transition, digital supply chain, and more. Agility Global has a global footprint across six continents and 70 countries, with a workforce of 60,000 employees. It is publicly listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). For more information about Agility Global, visit For Agility Global Nadia Saleem Agility@ About startAD startAD is an Abu Dhabi-based accelerator, steering local and global startups to scale in the UAE and beyond. Powered by Tamkeen and anchored at NYU Abu Dhabi, startAD is a new model for innovation that creates customized and impact-driven programs in partnership with stakeholders including governments, corporations, investors, and innovation entities, furthering UAE's transition into a knowledge-based economy. startAD's unique sprint accelerator model enables corporations to further innovation by partnering with startups disrupting their core businesses, while equipping startups with the training and opportunity to pilot their solutions with industry leaders. startAD offers unparalleled business advancement opportunities to local and global tech startups, SMEs, researchers, investors, and youth through an extensive range of programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong global network. Driving innovation in construction, retail, finance, and other priority industries in the UAE, startAD alumni startups have raised USD 270 million in investment, generated USD 220 million in revenue, secured over 80 global pilot projects with corporations, and created over 2,500 jobs worldwide. For more information about startAD, visit About Tamkeen Tamkeen LLC is a company that partners with leading local and international institutions to deliver projects that enrich the social, cultural and educational landscape of the UAE.
Observer
29-04-2025
- Science
- Observer
ESO gets funding from National Geographic Society
MUSCAT: The Environment Society of Oman (ESO)'s executive director Suaad al Harthy has been awarded funding from the National Geographic Society to support a groundbreaking coral reef conservation and capacity-building project in Oman. Al Harthy, a National Geographic Explorer and recipient of the Society's 2024 Wayfinder Award presented by Kia, will use her grant to further ESO's leadership in Oman's environmental conservation. Using the funding, Al Harthy and ESO will pursue two primary objectives: coral reef conservation and capacity building to ensure the long-term sustainability of these critical ecosystems. ESO researchers will assess the health, recovery and resilience of coral reefs surrounding Muscat, including those within and beyond the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve. The initiative also aims to empower female field scientists to lead in coral reef research and protection efforts. Technical support for the project is provided by New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). Coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots vital to fisheries, tourism, coastal protection and climate resilience. However, they are increasingly threatened by climate change, human activities and natural disturbances that undermine their ability to provide crucial environmental and economic benefits. ESO's project will contribute critical data to inform sustainable conservation strategies. A key component of the project is a coral reef monitoring workshop, scheduled for April 20–23, 2025, in Muscat. Organised in partnership with NYUAD, the workshop will bring together environmentalists, dive centre experts and academic researchers to strengthen Oman's reef monitoring capacity. Using the funding, Al Harthy and ESO will pursue two primary objectives: coral reef conservation and capacity building to ensure the long-term sustainability of these critical ecosystems. The workshop will be hosted at Oman Sail headquarters. Its brand, SeaOman – the country's leading marine leisure provider and a certified PADI 5* Instructor Development Centre – is supporting ESO by facilitating reef monitoring surveys. 'I am extremely grateful for this grant, which enables my colleagues and I to deepen our understanding of the recovery and resilience of coral reef sites around Muscat, while raising awareness of their importance to both marine biodiversity and Oman's coastal economy. A key pillar of this initiative is capacity building — particularly empowering female field scientists and volunteers to play a leading role in the long-term protection of these vital ecosystems,' she said. Marine conservation enthusiasts also attended a public talk by Prof John Burt, Marine Biologist at NYUAD, titled 'Corals in a Changing Climate: Lessons from the Arabian Gulf' on April 20, 2025. Details about upcoming ESO public events can be found on the organisation's official social media platforms.
