Diversity Resources

An essential aspect of studying away is the opportunity to learn more about your chosen host country and how identities may be understood and perceived within this new context. We encourage you to begin researching some of the challenges and opportunities you may encounter and plan ahead by identifying people and resources that can help you make the most of your experience away. The information below offers brief descriptions of identity-based topics in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates more broadly, as well as access to people, resources, and programs you can connect with before and after you get there.

Accessibility

In the UAE, people with special needs or disabilities are referred to as ‘people of determination’ to recognize their achievements in different fields. NYUAD is committed to providing equal educational opportunity and participation for all students, and the campus is accessible for people of determination.

We work closely with The Moses Center for Student Accessibility (CSA) in New York to provide reasonable accommodations, equal educational opportunity, and participation for all students. Reasonable accommodations are adjustments to policies, practices, or procedures that facilitate students' equal access to NYUAD's programs, activities, and services.

Especially in recent years, the UAE government has worked hard to ensure that modern areas and establishments such as cultural sites, hotels, restaurants are fitted with adaptations and services for people of determination. Parking lots include designated spots, public spaces have been updated with proper facilities, and ramps are increasingly commonplace outside public buildings.

Additional Links:
Accessibility at NYUAD
Academic and Housing Accessibility
Library Accessibility
Abu Dhabi Launches 30 Initiatives for People of Determination

Affordability

Visiting students can readily explore Abu Dhabi affordably. The city offers many free events, shows, festivals, movie screenings, beaches, and parks.

Groceries are relatively inexpensive, with Lulu’s Hypermarket offering shopping options on a budget.

You can satisfy just about any craving with Abu Dhabi’s abundance of restaurants, cafeterias, and coffee shops. Low-cost local favorites include Karak Chai (4 AED/1 USD), Shawarma (7 AED/2 USD), and Oman Chips Sandwiches (3 AED/ 82 cents). Visit our dining page for more information about on-campus dining.

The cost of airfare and immigration is approximately $1,000-$1,400, with no immigration fees to students. There is a free NYUAD shuttle with stops at most popular destinations in the city. A one-way ticket to the city on a local transit bus is 2 AED, just over 50 cents USD. A taxi ride to downtown Abu Dhabi costs about 25 AED (6.81 USD) and could be shared by four students.

Students can work paid on-campus assistantships. Visit Internships and Research for more information.

The cost of all required textbooks for courses is included in the cost of tuition. You won’t need to spend extra money on these.

Additional Links:
Eating on Campus
Cheap Eats in Abu Dhabi
Vegan Eats & Shopping in Abu Dhabi
Free Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
Living in Abu Dhabi

Diversity Resources

NYU Global Programs

NYU Global Programs

Diversity Resources

NYU Global Programs

Before You Go

While You're There

NYU Global Programs