With the arrival of the Class of 2017, NYU Abu Dhabi — for the first time in its four-year history — now has a complete student body, from freshmen to seniors. Welcoming some 175 talented students representing 72 countries around the globe, members of the freshman class, like those in previous classes, demonstrated impressive academic credentials before their arrival at NYUAD, with test score results comparable to those of the world's most prestigious institutions. 

UAE nationals comprise the largest group of students by nationality, a first for an incoming class at NYUAD. Other heavily represented countries include the US, China, India, Pakistan, Russia, South Korea, the UK, and Australia. With the Class of 2017, the University's student body (which currently has 620 members) represents 102 nationalities and speaks 98 languages.

For Emirati Abdulla Al Mutawa, who spoke to The National about his decision to attend NYUAD, the choice was partly based on this diverse community. "I liked the atmosphere there," he said. "Even though I am in the UAE, when I go there I don't feel like I am in the UAE anymore. There are people from all over the world."

It's an exciting year for NYUAD. In addition to a full cohort of students, the University will graduate its inaugural class and move to its permanent campus on Saadiyat Island.