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 to 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, while also introducing key concepts in diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion (IDBE). The first part of the mandatory First-Year Dialogue and Weyak program focuses on identity, home, and belonging, allowing students to practice vulnerability and empathy-building with story sharing and listening, 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.