Learning More About Abu Dhabi

Learning More About Abu Dhabi

So it has been a while since I have posted. Life has been good but just a bit busier.
In addition, the weather is much better and more of a reason to step outside my building
This includes meeting other expats for dinner or enjoying walks to the grocery store.  While that is taking place, we (students and staff) are counting down for the upcoming holiday, Eid al-Adha. This means that most of us will be travelling away for most of the week. In fact, immigration services has been very in getting visa for our students and one of my job task has included returning passports over the past few weeks.

This feels like an Embassy.

Some Campus History

At a recent program I had a chance to learn more about Abu Dhabi history in relation to our campus from an Emirati Panel. Our main campus (known as Downtown Campus) is located on what used to known as the Old Fish Market. Before that market was demolished, it was there for 10years.  The UAE is 40 years old so this area used to be the highlight of Abu Dhabi, long before malls became a focus. The Old Fish Market was demolished to make room for additional development; this was an essential step for the city. Now Emiratis are proud for NYUAD to be part of UAE’s history.

This type of partnership with Abu Dhabi would not have been possible without Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s leadership. He was responsible for the establishing the many traditions and modern aspects in the UAE.  For example, trees are quite visible in the region. This is due to Sheikh Zayed’s vision and innovation in transforming the desert landscape.

So it has been a while since I discussed Arabic. I am still in the class and even with a lower attendance, I am determined to stick it out. I suspect that I will be better at reading Arabic versus speaking. It is a very hard language to learn.  Luckily, we have free access to Rosetta Stone, which I will put to use soon. A few things I have learned over the weeks:

Duktoor-doctor

Ustadh-teacher

Muhandes-Engineer/architect

Taaliba-student

ShurTi-policeman

MuaDHDHaf-employee

Jamal-camel

Jamaal-beautiful

Dajaaj-chicken

BONUS

• Janet Jackson was here for a concert. Absolutely amazing performance :)

• Liquid laundry detergent is not too common. If you do find it, it will be quiet pricey.

  Fortunate for me, I managed to bring a mini bottle in my checked luggage, which has been working out just fine.

• You can buy Pork in Abu Dhabi, at a grocery store called Spinneys.

Notice the fine print on the door, “Pork for Non-Muslims”

Next time: new discoveries and bits of random information