Your Cultural Destination

The University’s campus on Saadiyat Island is at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene, leading the way with a host of exciting museums, galleries, performance spaces across the capital, in contributing to the city as a hub of creative energy for the region. There’s plenty to discover — here’s where to begin.

Cultural Venues on Campus

NYU Abu Dhabi’s purpose-built campus can be the perfect place to start your life in the emirate. Take a quick tour of what’s on site to see why it’s a great base for a beginning.

Faculty art show at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi.

NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery

The NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery is an intimate museum space with an ever-changing program of exhibitions featuring work that is both internationally significant and locally relevant. The curatorial mix of scholarly, non-commercial and experimental exhibitions, makes it an important addition to the region’s cultural eco-system as well as a valuable asset to the life of the University and the city.

The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi

A hub of creativity at the University, this complex of theaters and performance venues is a vibrant space enriching both the campus and the city with its programs, as well as providing educational artistic resources with its project space gallery with its rehearsal rooms, film editing studios, and classrooms.

Dubai’s leading contemporary dance company premiere Ansaf by acclaimed Palestinian choreographer Alaa Krimed at the NYUAD Arts Center.

Cultural Venues on Saadiyat Island

Unprecedented in scale and scope, Saadiyat cultural district is set to become a global cultural hub, housing the world's largest single concentration of premier cultural assets.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

This is the first universal art and civilization museum in the Middle East, where artifacts are curated by theme rather than culture. Witness Jean Nouvel’s remarkable geometric dome, designed to create a "rain of light" — it’s truly something to behold.

Warehouse 421

Housed inside a converted warehouse at Mina Port, this gallery is all about championing Emirati artists and the creativity of the UAE, with changing themes and a program of talks, workshops, film screenings, and performances.

Modern cultural center with artist studios & creative works on display in an industrial-chic space.

Manarat Al Saadiyat

The name of this gallery translates to "place of enlightenment" and showcases a thriving ongoing program of interactive workshops, comedy nights, yoga classes, theater, live music, and exhibitions.

The New Normal

Our assistant dean of student shared how she landed the job at NYU Abu Dhabi, and why she and her family have decided to stay.

My Abu Dhabi

Professor of biology talks about his life in Abu Dhabi.

The Grand Mosque

No journey through Abu Dhabi’s cultural highlights would be complete without a stop at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Envisioned as a fusion of styles from different Muslim civilizations and a celebration of cultures across the world, the mosque is a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to tolerance and diversity.

With 1000 pillars and 80 marble domes, the building is a masterpiece of architecture and a true celebration of Islamic culture, creativity, and ambition. It holds two Guinness World Records: one for the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet with its intricate medallion design, and the other for the world’s largest chandelier, made out of Swarovski crystals.

Visible from each of the bridges connecting Abu Dhabi island to the mainland, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a haven of calm and tranquillity at the entrance to one of the most thriving metropolises in the Middle East. Come for a tour or wander at your leisure, the mosque is a must-see for those new to the city.