Questions?
If you are a first-year student and have questions about Marhaba, please email us at nyuad.cye@nyu.edu.
Marhaba
Marhaba, meaning ‘welcome’ in Arabic, is a mandatory orientation program for all first-year students. Marhaba comprises sessions led by staff, faculty, and student leaders to help first-year students find out about essential campus resources, learn how to navigate their first semester in university, and feel more connected to one another as well as the broader campus community. The mandatory Weyak Program focuses on values, home, and belonging, allowing students to practice listening and empathy-building, laying the groundwork for intercultural friendships. Marhaba programming will help first-year students reflect on the experience of being new to campus and prepare themselves for their adjustment to NYUAD.
Marhaba takes place in mid-August, the week before classes begin. Visiting students from NYU New York and NYU Shanghai are also invited to select Marhaba activities and events.
This year's in-person Marhaba program runs from August 20 to August 24, 2025. The program consists of mandatory and optional sessions to help first-year students learn about academic and non-academic resources available to them, as well as time management and self-care tools to thrive during the semester.
Adjustment to university life takes time. That's why we have mandatory programs throughout the first semester to connect first-year students with their peers and support their transition to the University.
A range of mandatory orientation sessions, as well as optional activities, is offered during Marhaba. Sample sessions and activities include
- Introductions, information sessions, or workshops on essential campus resources
- Weyak sessions
- Online NYU modules
- Fitness, well-being, and journaling activities
- Live student-led social events and workshops to get to know your peers
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