The Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi was officially opened on Monday night, with a promise to use academic excellence to nurture global change-makers to cement the city’s growing position as an international business hub.
The first batch of 54 graduates from 25 countries are keen to study in a country and region that welcomes overseas talent.
Stern is the highest globally ranked business school offering a full-time MBA in the Middle East and North Africa region, with graduates receiving a degree jointly conferred by NYU Stern and NYU Abu Dhabi.
It's Stern calibre geared to our Middle East context and that is extremely powerful
Devina Taimni,
student from first 2025 Stern at NYUAD batch
Robert Salomon, dean of the Stern School of Business at NYUAD, told The National the demand for business talent had grown dramatically in the region. “The UAE sits at the heart of this dynamic region, offering a diverse and thriving environment for growth in almost any field you can imagine,” he said. “That’s why it’s such a big deal that Stern is expanding its global reach by launching this programme, it’s the first time the school will offer its flagship MBA programme outside of New York City.”
The MBA programme will match the rigour of two-year education with a strong focus on the Middle East economy. The class of 2025 will work on projects with leading firms such as Microsoft, Abu Dhabi Global Markets, Masdar and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and includes a study module at the New York campus.
A cross section of students, who have worked in consulting, financial and technology companies, outline why they are enthusiastic about the programme.
Learning should never stop
Emirati entrepreneur Layla Al Mulla remembers sending an email to NYUAD more than a decade ago to ask whether the university would open a business school and is thrilled to be in the first batch.
“Learning should never stop,” the Abu Dhabi resident said. “Even 10 years ago, when I emailed NYU, I knew then that I wanted to study further.”
Ms Al Mulla, 37, has worked in business development in the real estate and port sectors before starting businesses in the retail, food and beverage sector in 2015.
“I manage four small businesses and have reached a point where I feel I need more knowledge,” she said. “If I can learn more to scale up or I get inspired with a new idea that I can implement in my country, that will be incredible.”
Mother to three boys, aged between six and 12, studying close to home and keeping an eye on her businesses is invaluable.
“When my boys go to school, I’m going to university. The boys are proud of me and I have a very supportive husband,” she said. “I made a promise to myself that as I have been accepted to one of the strongest programmes in world, I want to make my country proud.”
Part of the growth story
US citizen Matthew Chronis is a strong believer “in the trajectory of the economy in the UAE and the GCC and wants to be part of growing the economy".
Raised in San Diego, Mr Chronis has worked in the financial services sector in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and visited the UAE for work and on holiday over the past few years.
“It feels more stimulating and exciting to be in a part of the world that is growing so vastly, rather than be part of the world like the US that is continuing to grow but is further along in its growth cycle,” he said.
A one-year MBA means he would lose only 12 months of earnings as opposed to a typical two-year business programme. The class diversity is a stepping stone to building connections.
“My chief reason for the MBA was so I could build a network out here and really start to dig some roots in the GCC,” he said. "It is tough to do that when you come out on short trips."
Adopting AI
Emirati computer engineer Hamdan Al Hosani, 28, is excited to be part of a top US business school in his home country. “I was actually the first to be admitted, so there was such excitement about being accepted,” he said. “It is also prestigious because people know the school name and it is highly reputed throughout the industry.”
Having worked in the technology departments of Aldar and du, picking up managerial skills is key. “The experiential learning drew me because it’s the leadership skills I will learn and network I will build,” Mr Al Hosani said. “We will work on signature internship projects with big clients and this will give me perspective on how global businesses operate.”
The Abu Dhabi resident also hopes to grasp the nuances of new technology along the way. “Adoption of AI is a hot topic, this programme will help me gain the business acumen to understand how to persuade, how to lead people to change, because change is not easy to implement,” he said.
Welcoming foreign talent
Devina Taimni said a big draw for students was that the UAE and region was ready to welcome foreign talent.
Ms Taimni, 25, has lived in the UAE, studied in the UK and US, worked in a chemical firm in Texas and was part of a legal research team for an Indian judge in New Delhi.
“I’m looking to pivot into financial services and given the big businesses with Mena headquarters, the job market is much more attractive here," she said. “People are also much more welcoming of foreign talent. That’s the pull for the many Americans and Europeans in our class because they recognise these regions are more welcoming for long-term growth.”
Internship opportunities with top firms are a big draw, too. “These internships are pivotal,” she said. “It’s very attractive for people who want to get a foot in the door because I don’t have any previous experience in finance but know that’s the direction I want to take.”
She said Stern NYU’s motto – "Change, dare it, dream it, drive it" – echoes her ambition to harness every opportunity.
Future change-makers
Robert Salomon, dean of the new school, has been a faculty member at Stern NY since 2005 and was vice dean for executive programmes. He said the emirate was a natural choice for Stern.
“Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a global capital, increasingly an academic, cultural, financial and business hub,” he said.
Faculty members with doctorates from the world’s top business schools will teach and conduct research in Abu Dhabi. “We’re bringing together a diverse group of talented professionals and future business leaders,” Mr Salomon said.
“By tapping into NYU’s global network, Stern’s reputation for academic excellence and Abu Dhabi’s status as a major business hub, we’re offering an experience that you can’t find elsewhere.
“Students are choosing our programme because they believe in what we’re building – a strong network of graduates who aren’t just future business leaders but change-makers ready to make a real impact, both locally and globally.”
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
RESULT
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai 0 Al Ain 6
Al Ain: Caio (5', 73'), El Shahat (10'), Berg (65'), Khalil (83'), Al Ahbabi (90' 2)
The five pillars of Islam
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
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Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Mobile phone packages comparison
Forced%20Deportations
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Violence%20
%3Cp%3EInstances%20of%20violence%20against%20Syrian%20refugees%20are%20not%20uncommon.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EJust%20last%20month%2C%20security%20camera%20footage%20of%20men%20violently%20attacking%20and%20stabbing%20an%20employee%20at%20a%20mini-market%20went%20viral.%20The%20store%E2%80%99s%20employees%20had%20engaged%20in%20a%20verbal%20altercation%20with%20the%20men%20who%20had%20come%20to%20enforce%20an%20order%20to%20shutter%20shops%2C%20following%20the%20announcement%20of%20a%20municipal%20curfew%20for%20Syrian%20refugees.%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CThey%20thought%20they%20were%20Syrian%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20the%20mayor%20of%20the%20Nahr%20el%20Bared%20municipality%2C%20Charbel%20Bou%20Raad%2C%20of%20the%20attackers.%3Cbr%3EIt%20later%20emerged%20the%20beaten%20employees%20were%20Lebanese.%20But%20the%20video%20was%20an%20exemplary%20instance%20of%20violence%20at%20a%20time%20when%20anti-Syrian%20rhetoric%20is%20particularly%20heated%20as%20Lebanese%20politicians%20call%20for%20the%20return%20of%20Syrian%20refugees%20to%20Syria.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
If you go
- The nearest international airport to the start of the Chuysky Trakt is in Novosibirsk. Emirates (www.emirates.com) offer codeshare flights with S7 Airlines (www.s7.ru) via Moscow for US$5,300 (Dh19,467) return including taxes. Cheaper flights are available on Flydubai and Air Astana or Aeroflot combination, flying via Astana in Kazakhstan or Moscow. Economy class tickets are available for US$650 (Dh2,400).
- The Double Tree by Hilton in Novosibirsk ( 7 383 2230100,) has double rooms from US$60 (Dh220). You can rent cabins at camp grounds or rooms in guesthouses in the towns for around US$25 (Dh90).
- The transport Minibuses run along the Chuysky Trakt but if you want to stop for sightseeing, hire a taxi from Gorno-Altaisk for about US$100 (Dh360) a day. Take a Russian phrasebook or download a translation app. Tour companies such as Altair-Tour ( 7 383 2125115 ) offer hiking and adventure packages.
About Takalam
Date started: early 2020
Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech and wellness
Number of staff: 4
Funding to date: Bootstrapped
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Turkish Ladies
Various artists, Sony Music Turkey
Ahmed Raza
UAE cricket captain
Age: 31
Born: Sharjah
Role: Left-arm spinner
One-day internationals: 31 matches, 35 wickets, average 31.4, economy rate 3.95
T20 internationals: 41 matches, 29 wickets, average 30.3, economy rate 6.28
Springtime in a Broken Mirror,
Mario Benedetti, Penguin Modern Classics
Titanium Escrow profile
Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
