New York University Abu Dhabi is a degree-granting liberal arts and research university, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Together with New York University in New York City and New York University Shanghai, the portal campus is part of NYU's Global Network University.
It opened in 2008 at a temporary site for conferences and cultural events. The academic program opened in September 2010 on the permanent campus built on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
In October 2007, New York University announced its intention to open a complete branch campus in Abu Dhabi, financed by the government of the United Arab Emirates.
The Abu Dhabi campus was planned by New York University, and the funding mainly came from the UAE government.
The school was first opened in 2008 on a temporary site in downtown Abu Dhabi, where it held various public events such as academic conferences, workshops, and performances.
Alfred Bloom, former president of Swarthy more College, was appointed to lead NYU Abu Dhabi as vice chancellor in September 2008. NYU Abu Dhabi accepted its first class of 150 students in September 2010. As of 2010 the college offered liberal arts and science subjects, including engineering.
New York University moved the Abu Dhabi campus to a new site in 2014 in the Marina district of Saadiyat Island. It was designed by Rafael Viñoly, an Uruguayan architect, and built by Al-Futtaim Group Caril-lion. NYU eventually plans to have 2,000 students at the campus. The university plans to open a graduate school and to make the school a center for research.
President Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States and founder of Clinton Foundation, was the keynote speaker at NYU Abu Dhabi inaugural commencement ceremony for 140 graduates held on May 25, 2014.
