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NYU Abu Dhabi opened its doors to the public for Open Campus Day on Nov. 11, offering prospective students, families, and community members an opportunity to explore the campus and learn about the university’s programs, facilities, and resources. The event aimed to provide insight into academic and extracurricular life at NYUAD while fostering engagement with the wider Abu Dhabi community.

The day featured a variety of activities designed to help prospective students familiarize themselves with the campus culture and opportunities. The Admissions Zone in Sexton Square provided interested students with detailed information about the application process and academic programs, while families interacted with staff to better understand the university’s global approach to education.

In other parts of the campus, visitors explored hands-on activities and interactive displays. The Athletics Zone drew participants of all ages, who tested their basketball skills, while others toured the sports facilities to learn about NYUAD’s athletic programs. The academic side of the university was prominently displayed through guided tours and open sessions. The West Forum served as a hub for discussions on academics, where university representatives answered questions about NYUAD’s liberal arts curriculum and interdisciplinary focus. Prospective graduate students attended an informational talk on the recently introduced Stern at NYUAD MBA program, which emphasized the program’s relevance for professionals seeking global business opportunities.

For those interested in research, visitors could engage with the Social Science Experimental Lab, while others explored the Physics Dome, which featured live demonstrations and a planetarium-style projection. These sessions gave attendees a sense of the cutting-edge research being conducted at NYUAD.

Art and culture were also at the forefront of the event. Visitors joined a curatorial tour of Between the Tides: A Gulf Quinquennial at The Art Gallery, led by Chief Curator Maya Allison, where they discussed themes explored by GCC-based artists. Meanwhile, the “Citizen Archivist” sessions allowed participants to contribute oral histories to the university archives, engaging the community in the preservation of cultural and personal narratives.

Many members of the NYUAD community worked together to create this experience: from alumni to faculty, staff, and current students. From StartAD presenting the resources they offer to entrepreneurship-oriented students, interactive research presentations, and the traditional night souq where attendees could find unique artisan pieces, NYUAD welcomed visitors with a varied program that catered to a diverse range of interests.

Open Campus Day highlighted the multifaceted nature of NYU Abu Dhabi, reflecting its role as an academic institution as being deeply embedded in its host community while offering global opportunities.