The wildly successful world premiere of Iranian-American Sanaz Toossi’s award-winning play and production English (2022) captivated audiences who had never before seen their story captured in live performance. Set in a TOEFL classroom in Karaj, Iran in 2008, English occurs during a period of political transformation resulting in travel restrictions and family separations. The play focuses on the many personal, cultural and political questions raised by “foreign” language acquisition that are both specific and expansive upon its Iranian context. In conversation about this theatrical work, the award-winning English creative team discusses these topics and the process from script to production.

Speakers
Knud Adams, Director, English (2022)
Sanaz Toossi, Iranian-American Playwright, English (2022)

Moderated by
Robert H Vorlicky, Visiting Professor of Theater, NYUAD
Marsha Ginsberg, Scenic Designer, English (2022); Associate Arts Professor of Theater, NYUAD

Speaking English: Staging the Dialectics of Identity, Culture and Survival

“Old” and “new” Dubai represent the city’s dual cosmopolitan context. The almost drastic stylistic evolution from “old” Dubai’s areesh, coral stone, and palm frond houses to “new” clean-cut whitewashed modernist buildings highlights a significant polar shift from tradition to modernism, not only as a mode of building, but also as a way of life. To understand architecture in Dubai in relation to the International Modern Movement, reflections on the context are essential: why was modernism introduced in Dubai? How was it applied to its architecture? This talk explores these questions, hoping to contribute to the preservation of the city’s heritage, both traditional and modern.

Speakers
Maryam M. Ahli, Architect & Architectural Historian

The Arrival of Late Modernism in Dubai

نحاول من خلال هذه المحاضرة تحليل مُختلف التمثلات الإسبانية والعربية للتاريخ الموريسكي منذ بداية الفترة الحديثة إلى اليوم. بدايةً، سنحاول البحث في تطور حضور هذا التاريخ في النصوص الأدبية والإخبارية الإسبانية للعصر الذهبي (القرنين 16 و 17). ثانياً، سندرس التناول الإسباني والعربي للمسألة في القرنين الثامن عشر والتاسع عشر، أي من خلال النصوص ذات الطبيعة التاريخية، الجرائد، أدب الرحلة، الروايات والمسرحيات. ثالثاً، سنبحث في التمثل العربي التاريخي والأدبي المعاصر للتاريخ الموريسكي وكيف تطور كمّاً ونوعاً. 
 
المُحاضر: حسام الدين شاشية، أستاذ مساعد، كلية العلوم الإنسانية والاجتماعية، جامعة تونس

Narratives of the Moriscos’ Expulsion in Spanish and Arab Thought (Arabic)

In the challenging climatic conditions of the Middle East, providing clean water has always been a significant concern. Yet, ancient cities like Abbasid Baghdad and Mamluk Cairo effectively supplied water to their populations. This talk explores these historical achievements, shedding light on the often misunderstood institutional strengths in the premodern Middle East. The discussion focuses on the diverse water systems in place and the reasons behind their sustainability.

Speaker
Maaike van Berkel, Professor of Medieval History, Radboud University

Source of Life: Water Management in the Premodern Middle East

This talk explores the conventional representations of the Abbasid dynasty, highlighting its perceived trajectory from its rise in the mid-eighth century to its decline in the tenth century. The speaker examines historical and literary sources from the mid-tenth century, elucidating the role and influence of the Abbasid Caliph and Baghdad during a pivotal era of political and cultural transformation.

Speaker
Letizia Osti, Associate Professor of Arabic Language and Literature, University of Milan

The Abbasid Caliph and His People: A View From the Centre

This talk explores the use of deep neural networks in advancing computational microscopy and biomedical diagnostics. It highlights innovative methods for generating histological stains digitally, providing a faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional techniques. The discussion will cover virtual staining techniques that create various stains from label-free microscopic images and methods for transforming already stained images into different types. Additionally, it introduces AI-enabled paper-based sensors for quick and efficient biomarker detection using a mobile phone.

Speaker
Aydogan Ozcan, Chancellor’s Professor and the Volgenau Chair for Engineering Innovation, UCLA

AI in Biomedical Imaging: Transforming Microscopy and Diagnostics

After a brief introduction to rain formation and clouds, the talk explores climate engineering and the scientific challenges we are facing. The speaker will discuss the role of fluid turbulence in cloud formation and will present two experiments to illustrate these concepts.

Speaker
Eberhard Bodenschatz, Director, Max-Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPIDS), Göttingen, Germany

Rain, Clouds, and Climate

This presentation explores the Arabic Maqam system of melodic modes, a pillar of traditional Arabic music, focusing on its distinctive structures and sounds. Using examples and guided listening exercises, the session offers a clear and engaging starting point for understanding Arabic music's depth and complexity. By complementing the deep dive into Maqam with insights into how it shapes specific musical traditions, the presentation provides a launchpad for further individual exploration of Arabic music.

Speaker
Layth Sidiq, Artistic Director of the New York Arabic Orchestra; Artist in Residence, NYUAD

In conversation with
Andrew Eisenberg, Associate Professor of Music, NYUAD; Global Network Associate Professor of Music, NYU

Experiencing Maqam: An Introduction to Arabic Music

As the U.S. elections draw near, this panel will examine how leadership changes could influence global power structures, with a particular focus on the Middle East. The discussion will explore what impacts leadership changes might have on the broader geopolitical landscape and consider possible ripple effects in critical regions of the world as the US recalibrates its global strategies.

Speakers
David McCourt, Visiting Associate Professor of Social Research and Public Policy, NYUAD
Jarrett Blanc, Former Energy and National Security Advisor to the Secretary of Energy, Former Deputy Special Envoy for Iran, and Former Acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan
Robin S. Brooks, State Department Fellow at The Fletcher School, Tufts University; Former Special Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris on Europe, Eurasia, Multilateral Affairs, and Democracy; Former National Security Council Director for Central Europe and the Balkans

In conversation with
Adam Ramey, Associate Professor of Political Science, NYUAD

Global Shifts: U.S. Elections and the Future of Power

This talk features a conversation with Ibrahim al-Koni, a prominent contemporary author in Arabic literature. Raised as a Tuareg in the Libyan desert, al-Koni's storytelling is informed by his educational background and extensive travels. His extensive body of work, encompassing over a hundred books, examines the history of the Mediterranean region and the desert. The discussion will focus on al-Koni's unique portrayal of the desert landscape and its cultural and historical significance.

Speaker
Ibrahim al-Koni, Libyan-Swiss Author, Winner of the 2008 Sheikh Zayed Award for Literature, and 2023 Sharjah Book Fair Cultural Personality of the Year

In conversation with
Maurice Pomerantz, Executive Director NYUAD Institute, Professor of Literature and Arab Crossroads Studies, NYUAD

In collaboration with
Humanities Research Platform

Ibrahim Al Koni and the World of the Tuareg (Arabic)

This talk explores the enduring relevance of medieval Arab philosopher Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406), often regarded as the father of sociology and historiography. His magnum opus, the Muqaddimah (1377), written nearly 650 years ago, has significantly influenced both Islamic and Western traditions. Ibn Khaldun’s ideas on social solidarity (assabiyah) and the interconnected dynamics of power, economic development, and social justice in his Circle of Equity are especially pertinent today. The lecture reprises a talk delivered at COP-28 at the DIFC, offering insights from Ibn Khaldun and other thinkers such as Adam Smith on addressing contemporary poly-crises, including climate change, inequality, and broader human challenges. The speaker will explore how these historical perspectives can inform our responses to today's most pressing issues.

Speaker
Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, Chairman, Leadership Council of the Malaysia International Islamic Finance Centre (MIFC); Chairman of the Board of Directors of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

Wisdom From the Ages: Ibn Khaldun and Lessons for a Poly-Crisis World

There is a strong tradition in Islamic culture to intertwine art and mathematics. This talk is about how this tradition has influenced the speaker's work on how physics reveals the structure of the universe, mathematics is the language for this and opens a way for art to help understand things in string theory, which connects quantum mechanics with general relativity via progress toward a theory of quantum gravity.

Speaker
Sylvester James Gates, Jr., Brown Theoretical Physics Center Director and Distinguished University Professor in Physics, University of Maryland

The Islamic Tradition of the Art-Mathematics Connection, Quantum Gravity

In this talk, Riken Yamamoto, 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate, will explore the transformative power of architecture in shaping communities. He will discuss key themes such as sustainability, intergenerational living, human-centered design, and the integration of public and private spaces. Drawing from his diverse portfolio, Yamamoto will examine how architecture can address societal challenges like aging populations and disaster recovery while fostering cultural identity and community engagement. Highlighting innovative projects in education, public spaces, and housing, Yamamoto will share his vision of architecture as a tool for positive, lasting societal change.

Speaker
Riken Yamamoto, Founder & Principal Architect of Riken Yamamoto & Field Shop, Recipient of the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize

In collaboration with
Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation

Crafting Tomorrow: Riken Yamamoto’s Architectural Journey

Our memories are not facts found on cards in a neural rolodex. They are recreations of reality. And, almost always, they are incredibly accurate and vivid. Yet our memories are vulnerable. They can be distorted, they can be manipulated, and in several disease states, they can be irrevocably lost. This talk explores how the brain manages the remarkable feat of acquiring information about the world, storing that information in a wide range of neural networks, and allowing the effortless retrieval of those memories when called to mind. 

Speaker
Thomas J. Carew, Dean Emeritus, Faculty of Arts and Science and Julius Silver Professor, Center for Neural Science, NYU

Making Memories in The Brain

This talk will take students on a journey through humanity's ongoing quest to uncover the fundamental laws that shape our universe. The speaker will reflect on the progress made so far and highlight the challenges that lie ahead. Students will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and engage in discussions, making this an exciting learning experience for young minds eager to explore the mysteries of the cosmos.

Speaker
David Tong, Professor of Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge

Our Quest to Understand the Universe

This panel discussion will consider how ethical decisions will be influenced in the future by the many applications of Artificial Intelligence. An ethicist and philosopher, an engineer who will design intelligent robots, and a computer scientist whose goal will be to make "responsible AI" synonymous with "AI" will each present a view of future AI ethics and then discuss how their views will diverge. While each participant will be a specialist conducting research into AI ethics, this discussion will bring together scientific, technical, and humanistic issues under the broad category of responsibility.

Panel Members
Ludovic Righetti, Electrical and Computer Engineer; Director of Machines in Motion Laboratory, Autonomous Machines in Motion
Jeff Sebo, Ethicist and Philosopher; Director of Center for Mind, Ethics and Policy, AI Moral Well Being
Julia Stoyanovich, Computer Scientist, Director of Center for Responsible AI, AI Governance

Moderated by
Harold Sjursen, Professor Emeritus, NYU Tandon School of Engineering

The Future of AI Ethics: A Cross-Disciplinary Discussion

This talk examines Soviet power through a transregional and global lens, focusing on its cultural and political exchanges with the Middle East. Drawing from a recently published book, The Eastern International: Arabs, Central Asians, and Jews in the Soviet Union's Anticolonial Empire, it traces how the Soviet concept of the “East” shaped both domestic policy and international influence, from the early Bolshevik era to Putin’s Russia. Through the stories of Soviet Jews, Central Asians, and Arab Marxists, it uncovers a fascinating web of cultural and political exchanges that blurred the lines between empire and anti-colonialism. 

Speaker
Masha Kirasirova, Author, "The Eastern International: Arabs, Central Asians, and Jews in the Soviet Union's Anticolonial Empire" (Oxford University Press, 2024); Assistant Professor of History, NYUAD

Soviet Power and the Politics of the East

This talk explores the concept of prophecy and prophethood from a multi-faith perspective. Prophets existed before the Bible, as seen in ancient texts describing the Mesopotamian nabū, muhhum, and assinnu. Biblical prophets came in many forms—true and false, charismatic and solitary, loyal to kings or opposing them. The debate over prophecy persisted for millennia: Jews saw it as ending with the Hebrew Bible, Christians viewed Jesus as its fulfillment, and Muslims recognized Muhammad as the final prophet. Yet, prophecy endures in groups like the Mormons and Baha’is. The speaker will examine how different traditions understand prophecy, its historical evolution, and its continued relevance today.

Speaker
Reuven Firestone, Regenstein Professor in Medieval Judaism and Islam, Hebrew Union College

A Prophecy Continuous? Jewish and Muslim Views on Divine Revelation

This talk explores the Universe’s journey from its homogeneous beginnings after the Big Bang to the formation of stars from primordial hydrogen and helium. Through nuclear fusion, stars produced light elements, and their dramatic deaths as supernovae forged elements up to iron. The Zwicky Transient Facility, a cutting-edge 2-telescope project, systematically studies the dynamic Universe. The speaker will discuss remarkable discoveries, including super-luminous supernovae, new transient phenomena, supernova progenitors, planets being engulfed by aging stars, and an abundance of pulsating and binary stars.

Speaker
Shrinivas R. Kulkarni, George Ellery Hale Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Science, California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

In collaboration with
Center for Astrophysics and Space Science

The Restless Universe: From the Big Bang to the Periodic Table

This panel explores how integrating art, science and engineering fosters innovation, broadens perspectives, and drives societal contributions. In the UAE’s cultural and scientific landscape, interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to engage the public, inspire creativity, and support the nation’s long-term goals in education and research.

Panelists
Iyad Rahwan, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin
Stephanie Rosenthal, Director of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project
Henry Tan, Artist in Residence at the NYU Abu Dhabi Center for Genomics and Systems Biology

Moderated by
Maya Allison, NYU Abu Dhabi Chief Curator and Galleries Executive Director

In collaboration with
Center for Genomics and Systems Biology

Creative Convergence: The Role of Artists in Expanding Scientific Inquiry and UAE’s Vision for Innovation

The Climate Crisis has created novel challenges for public policy in the Global South. Developing nations need to discover ways of continuing to grow without undermining the goals of the Paris Agreement, transitioning to green energy at the same time as addressing deep problems of economic growth and social inequality. They also need to mitigate some of the effects of extreme weather events, such as floods or forest fires. In this panel discussion four experienced judges will reflect on the role of the law on this process. Can a substantive conception of environmental rights make a difference? Does the constitution have anything to say about the green transition? Can a Supreme Court assist this process by providing safeguards of fairness and legitimacy?

Panel Members
Dr Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, Chief Justice of Bangladesh
Justice Ananda Bahatarai, Retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal

Moderated by
Pavlos Eleftheriadis, Program Head of Legal Studies; Professor of Legal Studies, NYUAD

Climate Justice and the Constitution: Reflections from the Global South

This talk explores the profound artistry and scientific intricacies of Indian art music, with a focus on the Hindustani repertoire. Dr. Kaustuv Kanti Ganguli delves into the psychoacoustic and emotional dimensions of ragas, illustrating how pitch, timbre, and rhythm evoke deep responses. Bridging tradition with technology, he demonstrates the role of objective thinking in understanding melodic nuances and improvisation techniques.

Speaker
Kaustuv Kanti Ganguli, Associate Professor of Computing, Zayed University; Visiting Scholar, NYUAD

Decoding Hindustani Music: Art and Science

Explore the prehistoric landscapes of Arabia, tracing the movements of early humans who migrated from Africa over the past two million years. The talk examines how these groups adapted to diverse environments, from lush greenery to areas inhabited by now-extinct animals. It highlights their use of stone tools, local flora, and fauna for survival, and how water served as a crucial lifeline. The speaker will provide insights into the challenges faced and strategies employed by these ancient peoples to navigate and thrive in their changing world.

Speaker
Abdullah Alsharekh, Department of Archaeology, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia

A Short Journey Into Prehistoric Arabia

Explore the intersection of cybersecurity, technology ethics, and disinformation with leading experts. This panel examines the human-centered aspects of cybertechnology, the global threats posed by state actors, and the ethical dilemmas at the forefront of our digital age. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that uncovers the challenges and solutions in protecting our digital future.

Speakers
James Lewis, Senior Vice President, Pritzker Chair, and Director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Mayra Ruiz-McPherson, Cyber/Media Psychologist, Qualitative Futurist, Cognitive/Behavioral Scientist, Researcher & Ethicist

In conversation with
Muhammet Bas, Associate Professor of Political Science, NYUAD

In Collaboration with
U.S. Mission to the United Arab Emirates

Cybersecurity & Ethics: Navigating Digital Dangers

This talk discusses whether the UAE is on track to become the epicenter of Arab pop culture over the next decade or if its influence will remain tied to amplifying trends from elsewhere. While the country has established itself as a global business and finance hub, can it also position itself as a leading exporter of Arab creativity, shaping regional and global cultural currents? The panelists will examine the forces driving the UAE’s creative industries, the role of institutional and private support, and the challenges and opportunities that will determine its long-term cultural influence.

Panel Members
Gianluca Chakra, CEO, Front Row Entertainment
Rawan Al-Dabbas, Regional Director, IFPI MENA

Moderated by
Mikey Muhanna, CEO & Founder of afikra | عفكرة

In Collaboration with
afikra

Will the UAE Be the Capital of Arab Pop Culture Over the Next Decade?

2017.01.26
The coast of Zanj was fabled as an exotic land, full of wild animals, curious peoples, and precious commodities such as ivory and gold. Based on the most recent archaeological discoveries along the Swahili coast, this lecture reveals what the sailors and merchants from the Gulf actually found when they followed the monsoons to East Africa over 1,000 years ago. Emphasis is placed on the importance of Africa in the global trade systems of the Arabs, and how these incredible voyages took place to the furthest reaches of the Indian Ocean. 


Speakers
Mark Horton Professor in Archaeology, University of Bristol

NYUAD Institute Lectures Series 2016 /17

Travelling to The Land of The Zanj

2017.03.09

In a series of personal letters to his son, Omar Saif Ghobash offers a short and highly readable manifesto that tackles our current global crisis with the training of an experienced diplomat and the personal responsibility of a father. Today’s young Muslims will be tomorrow’s leaders, and yet too many are vulnerable to extremist propaganda that seems omnipresent in our technological age. The burning question, Ghobash argues, is how moderate Muslims can unite to find a voice that is true to Islam while actively and productively engaging in the modern world. What does it mean to be a good Muslim?

H. E. Omar Saif Ghobash Author, “Letters to a Young Muslim” (Picador, 2017); Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Russia

Letters To A Young Muslim

April 27, 2017

How can Palestinians most effectively represent their past and present to Western and Arab audiences? This event brings the scholar Rashid Khalidi into conversation with playwright Ismail Khalidi to discuss their academic and artistic trajectories and the ways in which art and scholarship approach Palestinian history and society in differing, complementary ways.

Ismail Khalidi Playwright, Poet and Director

Rashid Khalidi Edward Said Professor of Modern Arab Studies, Columbia University

Moderated by
Justin Stearns Associate Professor in Arab Crossroads Studies, NYUAD

Narrating Palestine: A Conversation with Rashid Khalidi and Ismail Khalidi

2018.03.22

In 1941, the largest, bloodiest war ever broke out between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. Worldwide, some 55 million people were killed in WWII, half in the Soviet Union. Who was Joseph Stalin? Who was Adolf Hitler? Why did they clash? This talk, based upon a book of the same name, uses a vast array of once secret documents to trace the parallel rise of Soviet Communism and Nazism and analyzes why Great Powers go to war against each other, delivering lessons relevant for today.

Speakers 
Stephen Kotkin, John P. Birkelund '52 Professor in History and International Affairs; Co-Director, Program in History and the Practice of Diplomacy; Director, Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies, Princeton University

Stalin: Waiting for Hitler "1929-1941"

March 12, 2018

Part of "Evolution Across Disciplines"

African human genomic diversity is highly understudied and this also true for African-descended individuals in the Americas (New World Africans). Yet these data form the foundation for subsequent sophisticated applied work in genetics and genomics of relevance to all peoples of African descent (e.g., in pharmacogenomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, proteomics, gene-environment interactions, and other applied fields.). This talk explores how the lack of adequate information on peoples of African descent has been a major disincentive to their participation in biomedical studies and genetic/genomic surveys with a focus on applying the tools of genetic anthropology to these groups, in hopes to strengthen both the science of their biological origins and community’s trust in this science.

Speakers 
Fatimah Jackson, Professor of Biology, Howard University

Genetics Anthropology: An Exploration of Diverse and New World African Populations

2018.10.15

In October 2017, the UAE has released the first national Artificial intelligence (AI) strategy recognized as the first strategy of this caliber in the region and the world. The strategy is meant to highlight the framework of the first project in the UAE centennial 2071 and an initial step in 2021 roadmaps. The AI initiative in the UAE is aimed at focusing on revolutionizing technology, education, space, health, energy, water, environment, transport and traffic sectors, amongst others, through building proficient, productive, cost-effective and innovative solutions. The results achieved will streamline an innovative industrial arm of the future in placing the UAE as a global industrial hub, and building the proper economic, technical and scientific communities and groundwork that will support this vision. How important it is to build futuristic research and development industrial communities to support this vision? What are the main criteria that should be set in place to achieve successful outcomes? This discussion is a genuine and collective conversation with His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and a Member of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation and the Deputy Managing Director of the Foundation to capture his vision on the execution of the UAE AI strategy and the resonance of his endeavors to build a pathway for the future of industry and technology in UAE.
Speaker: His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Individuals

A Roadmap To The Future- A Conversation With H.E Omar Al Olama

2018.10.07

Distinguished and award-winning novelist, Elias Khoury, discusses his work and the Arab novel in general as it has developed over the last ten years. Ten years ago he discussed his celebrated Bab al-Shams. This evening he considers his own work and how the Arab literary scene has developed since the inaugural Institute event he took part in October 2008.

Speakers 
Elias Khoury, Lebanese Novelist; Playwright; Critic.

In conversation with 
Bilal Orfali, Chairperson and Associate Professor of Arabic Studies, American University of Beirut

Celebrating The 10th Year Anniversary Of The Institute

2018.11.19

The late Sheikh Zayed is well-known for his interest in, and support for, the natural and cultural heritage of the UAE. This talk examines the field of the environment and archaeology of Abu Dhabi to demonstrate his involvement in projects that have led to the preservation of two of Abu Dhabi’s most important nature reserves and to the promotion of knowledge of key archaeological sites, such as the early Christian monastery on the island of Sir Bani Yas. This talk also focuses on the way in which Sheikh Zayed saw the Sir Bani Yas site as being evidence of the UAE’s tradition of cultural and religious tolerance.

Speaker
Peter Hellyer, Writer, Historian & Environmentalist, Individuals

Sheikh Zayed & UAE Natural And Cultural Heritage

The NYUAD Institute is a center of advanced research, scholarly and creative activity, and public workshops. Institute programs facilitate discussion between academics, students, professionals, and leaders from the UAE and from around the world.

Popular tracks by NYUAD Institute