Weather: The average temperatures for Abu Dhabi for the month of January are very pleasant, 24C (high) and 12C (low), sunny and only moderate humidity. Buildings are climate controlled and can be cool.
Campus: NYU Abu Dhabi is located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi (see map below). It hosts a number of facilities: a gym and competitive pool, an ATM distributing AED (dirhams) in the Campus Center (C2) on the ground floor, a convenience store (C2, 1st floor) a campus pharmacy and travel agency, as well as restaurants and coffee shops. The campus was designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly.
Saadiyat Island: Nearby attractions include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Saadiyat Beach Club and the Mamsha promenade with its iconic Soul Beach. Nearby hotels on Saadiyat Island are the St Regis, Rixos, Rotana, the Park Hyatt and Jumeirah at Saadiyat.
Lodging: Abu Dhabi has many different hotels at different price points, including some luxury ones located on Saadiyat Island. One hotel where some WIDH participants will be staying is the Jannah Burj Al Sarab on Abu Dhabi Island. If you are interested in booking one of these rooms at our university rate (375 AED / night) though our travel representative Nirvana, contact them (nyuad@ntravel.ae) and tell them you would like to book for the Winter Institute in Digital Humanities. These rooms can be booked on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability.
Transport: Taxis are inexpensive in Abu Dhabi (including family taxis for women and children). There is a taxi rank outside NYUAD’s campus Welcome Center. Plan on cash to take city taxis, although some have begun to accept cards only. A ride to Abu Dhabi main island in the general area of the Corniche should cost approximately 35 AED. Details of bus transport can be found on our map. Ride sharing apps that are used in Abu Dhabi include Uber, Careem and the Abu Dhabi taxi app.
Parking: There is visitor parking available on campus. Enter through the East Parking. You will be asked for identification.
Other sites of interests in Abu Dhabi to consider when planning your trip:
Culture and History: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, Qasr Al Hosn, Qasr Al Watan, Cultural Foundation, Souq al Mina.
Sports and leisure: Kayaking (in the Mangroves or around the Louvre AD-check out our map for possibilites), the Jubail Island mangrove walk, a desert safari, Ferrari World, Warner Brothers, or the public beaches closeby on Saadiyat or on al-Hudayriyat Island. If you need to work up a sweat, try YasTrain for cycling or running on the Formula One track on Yas Island. During the WIDH 2024, there are YasTrain sessions on Monday and Wednesday, 1730-2200. The whole experience (including bikes and helmets) is free, just sign up in advance on their site and get your QR code.
Nearby tours: Dubai, Liwa Oasis (treat yourself at the Qasr al Sarab), Al Ain (oasis and UNESCO World Heritage Site); Sir Bani Yas Island (an island wildlife park in the Western region), Nurai Island from the terminal on Saadiyat Island, a Gulf cruise.
Shopping: Abu Dhabi has many shopping venues at all price points: Abu Dhabi Mall, Galleria Mall, Yas Mall. For gifts, try some camel milk chocolate, or dates at the Date Market or even splurge at the Gold Souq.
