Podcasts about nyuad

Engineering a solution is one thing; making it work in a high-stakes clinical environment is another. This panel discussion features the minds who build the tech and the hands that use it. Leading bioengineers and frontline clinicians from NYU, NYU Abu Dhabi, the University of Michigan and the University of Maine deconstruct the challenges of medical device innovation. The topics include glaucoma and other chronic diseases such as metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurologic diseases. The discussion also touches on AI, robotics, and wearable technology to improve patient care. Panel Members Andreas Hielscher, Professor of of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering Shy Shoham, Professor of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, NYU School of Medicine and Tech4Health Giovanna Guidoboni, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Dean of Engineering and Computing, University of Maine Manjool Shah, Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Associate Chair of Innovation, University of Michigan Sefy Paulose Joshi, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, NYU Langone Health Moderated by Yong-Ak (Rafael) Song, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering and 19 Washington Square North Faculty Fellow, NYUAD

What is African theatre today? Bob Vorlicky and Judy Miller have some answers to that question through their work as editors and translators of contemporary African plays. Vorlicky brings to light the otherwise neglected work of eight African women playwrights from seven different countries and linguistic spheres. He explores the politics of translating indigenous languages into English. Miller surveys exemplary works of Francophone African authors from the immediate post-colonial period to the present. She also addresses the difficulties of translating these works for the American stage. Speakers Robert H. Vorlicky, Author, “Speaking Our Selves: New Plays by African Women” (Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2025); Professor of Theatre, NYUAD and Tisch School of the Arts, NYU Judith G. Miller, Author, “Contemporary Francophone African Plays: An Anthology” (Lewisburg: Bucknell University Press, 2024); Former Dean of Arts and Humanities, NYUAD; Professor of French Literature, NYU In conversation with Adam Ashraf Elsayigh, Playwright; NYUAD alumnus

For nearly two million years, humans lived as mobile hunters and gatherers. Around 15,000 years ago, communities in the Fertile Crescent began to settle, and by 10,000 years ago, agriculture emerged. The first cities and states emerged around 5,000 years ago. Originating in the Middle East and later spreading worldwide, this transformation reshaped human societies. This talk examines how and why humans made this shift—and asks whether the rise of civilization ultimately improved human well-being. Speaker Robert Allen, Global Distinguished Professor of Economic History, NYUAD

This conversation explores a question that defines both professional and personal life: how to live with intention and purpose. Drawing on her work as a scholar, educator, and three-time New York Times–Bestselling Author, Suzy Welch introduces the Becoming You methodology, emphasizing the importance of surfacing core values and cultivating self-awareness in navigating contemporary careers. In conversation with Rob Salomon, Welch reflects on leadership, decision-making, and the pursuit of clarity in an increasingly complex professional landscape. Speaker Suzy Welch, New York Times Best-Selling Author; Professor of Management Practice, NYU Stern In conversation with Robert Salomon, Dean, Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi; Professor of International Management, NYU Stern School of Business; NEC Faculty Fellow, NYU Stern School of Business In collaboration with Stern at NYUAD

The African continent consists of 54 countries. This conversation among African theater practitioners and scholars, necessarily diverse by expertise, engages a range of questions to understand better the term theater(s), the evolution of theaters among African countries, and this contemporary moment in Africa's theaters. Who is making theater today in Africa—who's writing, who's producing, who attends? What kinds of theaters are being created? What prevalent concerns are being written, produced, and/or published in 21st -century African theaters? What are the challenges of producing theater on the continent? In what ways do theaters play a role in the lives of contemporary Africans? Panel Members Hope Azeda, Playwright and Director, Mashirika Performing Arts; Festival Curator, Ubumuntu Arts Festival Judith G. Miller, Professor of French Literature, Thought and Culture, NYU Wole  Soyinka, Wole Soyinka, Arts Professor of Theater, NYUAD; Nobel Laureate in Literature (1986) Opening Remarks Abhishek Majumdar, Program Head, Theater; Arts Professor of Theater, NYUAD Moderated by Robert Vorlicky, Associate Professor of Drama, Tisch School of the Arts, NYU; Former Visiting Professor of Theater, NYUAD

This conversation among African playwrights and translators focuses on the challenges when translating dramatic texts by African writers into English or French. What is lost (and/or gained) when translating a text's original language into another language? Why is translation important (or not) in 21st-century global culture? What are the geopolitical, linguistic, and ethical issues raised by translating African works from their original languages into English or French? Panel Members Hope Azeda, Playwright and Director, Mashirika Performing Arts; Festival Curator, Ubumuntu Arts Festival Judith G. Miller, Professor of French Literature, Thought and Culture, NYU Wole  Soyinka, Wole Soyinka, Arts Professor of Theater, NYUAD; Nobel Laureate in Literature (1986) Moderated by Robert Vorlicky, Associate Professor of Drama, Tisch School of the Arts, NYU; Former Visiting Professor of Theater, NYUAD

Although women still hold only about 21% of ambassadorial posts worldwide, recent years have seen notable progress. This panel brings together senior officials, leading practitioners, and international scholars to examine women's leadership in diplomacy, foreign affairs, and multilateral organizations. Drawing on AGDA's Women in Diplomacy Index and LSE/IDEAS's Strengthening the Representation of Women in Diplomacy Report, the discussion will explore persistent gender disparities, variations across countries and regions, and the impact of structural reforms. Panelists will also share professional experiences and policy solutions to advance women's leadership and shape a more accessible and representative global diplomatic landscape. Speakers Karen Smith, Professor of International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science Nouf Al Hamly, Advanced Sciences and Technology Advisor, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sara Chehab, Acting Graduate Programmes Director & Senior Research Fellow, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy Moderated by Henriette Mueller, Assistant Professor of Gender, Governance and Society, NYUAD Casted by Ouided Bouchamaoui, Nobel Laureate (2015) and Director of the Art & Humanities Institute for Peace, NYUAD

This talk explores the tensions between infinite economic growth and the planet's finite resources, drawing on Professor Anders Levermann's groundbreaking work in climate science and economics. The speaker will present innovative approaches to reconciling climate protection with continued development, offering bold ideas for sustainable prosperity. Bridging scientific insight, economic theory, and societal responsibility, the talk offers critical perspectives for those seeking solutions to the climate crisis at the intersection of environment and economy. Speaker Anders Levermann, Professor of the Dynamics of the Climate System, Institute of Physics and Astrophysics, University of Potsdam In collaboration with Climate Talks Office of Sustainability and Stewardship, NYUAD

Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee revisits the central ideas of his seminal work Poor Economics, co-authored with Esther Duflo, fifteen years after its publication. In this talk, Professor Banerjee reflects on what we've learned about poverty alleviation from a decade and a half of field experiments, policy interventions, and global upheavals. From the evolution of evidence-based development policy to the impact of new crises such as COVID-19 and climate change, this session will provide a thought-provoking look at the shifting landscape of poverty research—and what the future may hold. Speaker Abhijit V. Banerjee, Ford Foundation International Professor of Economics, MIT; Co‑Founder & Director, Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J‑PAL); Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences (2019) In conversation with Tishani Doshi, Visiting Associate Professor of Practice, Literature and Creative Writing, NYUAD

This conversation between Abhishek Majumdar and Ruben Polendo examines the making and teaching of theater in a global context. The talk centers around two of Majumdar's recently published books, “Theatre across borders” and “Collected Plays" by Bloomsbury International. Both Ruben Polendo and Majumdar have spent several years, training and working in global contexts and this dialogue is about their learnings as practitioners and pedagogues. Speakers Abhishek Majumdar, Arts Professor and Program Head of Theater, NYUAD; Playwright, Director, and Artistic Director, Nalanda Arts Studio Bangalore Rubén Polendo, Dean, Tisch School of the Arts and Arts Professor, NYU; Global Professor, NYUAD; Founding Artistic Director, Theater Mitu

28 Jan 2026. Dh100 billion expansion plan, with the new DIFC Zabeel District rolling out in six phases between 2030 and 2040, adding nearly 18 million square feet. We ask property and mapping expert Zhann Jochinke where it all fits, and what it means for Dubai’s financial hub. Plus, India and the EU sign a landmark trade deal covering a quarter of the global economy - NYU Abu Dhabi’s Professor Barthélémy Bonadio explains whether global trade is being reshaped. And RAKBANK posts a record 2025, CEO Raheel Ahmed takes us through the numbers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All cutting-edge medical treatments come with side effects that can limit their benefit. In this talk, Prof. Ramadi explores how we can make medicine better—by moving beyond today's one-size-fits-all approaches toward smarter, personalized interventions. With breakthroughs in nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and advanced therapeutics, we are rethinking how medicine can not only treat disease but extend healthy years of life worldwide. Speaker Khalil Ramadi, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering, NYU; Director of the Laboratory for Advanced Neuroengineering and Translational Medicine, NYUAD

Stem cells hold promise for understanding human disease, screening for novel therapeutics, and regenerating damaged tissues. However, the mechanisms underlying how these cells form and are activated are still being uncovered, and the development of stem cell-derived tissues for drug screening and transplantation is a work in progress. This conversation with leaders in the field explores the fundamentals of stem cell biology, current stem cell-based therapies, and the ethical considerations shaping the future of stem cell research and its clinical applications. Panel Members Lorenz Studer, Director, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Sarah E. Millar, Dean for Academic and Scientific Affairs and Chair of the new Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai In conversation with Kirsten Sadler Edepli, Professor of Biology, NYUAD; Global Network Professor of Biology, NYU

"The Future Is Not a Grave" is a three-day workshop happening next week at NYUAD which explores futurisms and futurescapes across the MENA, Gulf, and Indian Ocean regions. In this collaborative episode with NYU Abu Dhabi Institute, conveners Tishani Doshi and Masha Kirasirova delve into challenging despair, fostering collective imagination, and integrating diverse perspectives from artists, scholars, and performers. Discover how this initiative seeks to redefine conversations about the future, moving beyond conventional narratives and embracing a more open-ended, tolerant, and inclusive approach.November 10-12, 2025 in Abu Dhabi

06 Oct 2025. The UAE’s Technology Innovation Institute has hit a new milestone in space propulsion. We get the details of this “big rocket-thrusting announcement” from Dr. Elias Tsoutsanis, Chief Researcher at TII’s Propulsion and Space Research Center. Plus, as the US government shutdown heads into its second week, we look at what it could mean for the UAE economy with Professor Adam Ramey of NYU Abu Dhabi and Emirates NBD economist Ed Bell. And as we count down to our NIO electric car giveaway, we continue our “Charge & Chat” series, recorded while cruising in the back seat of a NIO.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

Ali Khan, author of Cricket in Pakistan: Nation, Identity, and Politics, examines the profound connection between cricket and Pakistan's socio-political landscape. The talk explores how the sport has shaped national identity, influenced political narratives, and served as a cultural touchstone, reflecting the broader dynamics of society and politics in the region. Speaker Ali Khan, Professor of Anthropology, LUMS and Author of Cricket in Pakistan: Nation, Identity, and Politics (Oxford University Press, 2022) In conversation with Saba Khan, Instructor of Social Science, NYUAD

Have the great ambitions for the role of international criminal justice in the world been misplaced? Can international courts deliver meaningful justice for the victims of extreme crimes in conflict? This conversation will explore the challenges of seeking accountability for war time atrocities with Erik Møse, one the pioneering figures of international criminal justice. His perspectives will draw from decades of experience, having served as the President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and presided over the trials of the leading figures of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, where an estimated 800,000 individuals were killed within 100 days. In his current role as Chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, he will share his reflections on the rapidly evolving techniques for investigating international crimes in conflict zones. Speaker Erik Møse, Chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine; former President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda; former judge of the European Court of Human Rights and the Supreme Court of Norway In conversation with Rosemary Byrne, Professor of Legal Studies, NYUAD

How do immigration policies from economically advantaged countries affect people in less advantaged countries and the immigrants who come in with these policies? "Structured Luck" takes us on a transnational journey to explore the societal, personal, and political implications of the US Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, a US immigration policy that is an annual economic and cultural event in many economically disadvantaged countries. It illuminates the trauma, resilience, determination, and mobility of immigrants who come to the U.S. through the DV program and closes with a call for the U.S. and other economically advantaged countries to develop policies that will better integrate their immigrants into society. Speaker Onoso Imoagene, Associate Professor of Social Research and Public Policy, NYUAD; Author, "Structured Luck Downstream Effects of the U.S. Diversity Visa Program" (Russell Sage, 2024), NYUAD In conversation with Natasha Iskander, James Weldon Johnson Professor of Urban Planning and Public Service, NYU Wagner

Can we reimagine the complex relationships among nature, culture, and homeland through the lens of a decolonial botany? In this conversation, Robert Zhao Renhui and Tuấn Mami explore plants as contemporary symbols of resilience and adaptation that can shape our understanding of multispecies ecosystems and migrating communities and enrich our collective existence. In a world grappling with the climate crisis, the artists invite the audience to rethink exclusionary binaries such as invasive vs native species and to see plants as matters of emotion, memory, history, and politics. Speakers Tuấn Mami, Artist; Co-founder, Nhà Sàn Collective Robert Zhao Renhui, Artist; Founder, Institute of Critical Zoologists In conversation with Katia Arfara, Curator; Assistant Professor of Theater and Performance Studies, NYUAD

By introducing artists to science and research institutions, sci-art collaborations are establishing new perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches, and artistic work is contributing to scientific inquiry. In this talk, musician and sound artist Sam Nester introduces his work and how it has led to collaborative projects with institutions in the USA, Europe, and the UAE. From working alongside scientists at the European Joint Research Centre and policy officers of the Directorate General for Environment, to collaborating with members of the Center for Genomics & Systems Biology at NYU Abu Dhabi as the inaugural artist-in-residence. Speaker Sam Nester, Artist-in-Residence, Center for Genomics & Systems Biology, NYUAD

Dean Salomon will introduce the principal risks that multinational corporations (MNCs) face in the global marketplace. He will discuss the critical institutional investment challenges that underpin globalization and the tools that multinational investors can use to better navigate globalization's risks. Speaker Robert Salomon, Dean of Stern, NYUAD In collaboration with Stern at NYUAD

This talk explores the impact of immigration policies from economically advantaged countries on both the people in less advantaged nations, particularly in the Global South, and the immigrants who enter under these policies. The speaker will take us on a transnational journey, delving into the societal, personal, and political implications of the U.S. Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. Highlighting the trauma, resilience, determination, and mobility of those who immigrate to the U.S. through the DV program, the talk will conclude with a call for economically advantaged countries to adopt policies that better integrate immigrants into their societies. Speaker Onoso Imoagene, Program Head of Social Research and Public Policy; Associate Professor of Social Research and Public Policy, NYUAD In conversation with John O'Brien, Associate Professor of Sociology, NYUAD

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

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

Bill Bragin of the New York University Abu Dhabi stopped by the studio to chat with Mark about the forthcoming season of events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Speaking Out of Place, we are honored to talk with Munira Khayyat, a Lebanese anthropologist whose book, A Landscape of War: Ecologies of Resistance and Survival in South Lebanon examines what she calls “resistant ecologies in a world of perennial warfare.”  Drawing on long-term fieldwork in frontline villages along Lebanon's southern border with Israel, she examines war not only as a place of death and destruction, but also necessarily, as an environment of living.We appreciate greatly that she was able to join us now, during the massive and deadly new war Israel is waging on Lebanon. Munira shows how this devastation is a continuation of wars Israel has waged against Lebanon for decades, but also how both the Lebanese people and the Lebanese landscape are resisting death and persisting in life.  This episode is especially useful to those wanting to know more about Lebanon, as Professor Khayyat gives us an informative account of the intertwined histories of Lebanon, Palestine, and the State of Israel.Munira Khayyat is an anthropologist whose research revolves around life in war, intimate genealogies of empire, and theory from the South. Her first book, A Landscape of War: Ecologies of Resistance and Survival in South Lebanon (University of California Press 2022) examines resistant ecologies in a world of perennial warfare. Drawing on long-term fieldwork in frontline villages along Lebanon's southern border with Israel, she examines war not only as a place of death and destruction, but also necessarily, as an environment of living.Khayyat is currently working on a second book that fleshes out the complex heart of empire in Saudi Arabia. Heart of Black Gold draws on a personal archive meticulously created by her maternal grandfather, who was among the first Arabian employees of ARAMCO, the Arab American Oil Company. How has oil — its extractive, shiny infrastructures, camps, big men, politics and corporations, its global ecologies — shaped lived environments? Insisting on a feminist and multidisciplinary rearranging of the archive, the book inhabits history-in-the-making as it unfolds in domestic scenes, lived quarters, the affective terrains of oil.Khayyat's research has been supported by the Wenner-Gren Foundation, the Arab Council for the Social Sciences, the Rachel Carson Center. Her writing has appeared in American Ethnologist, Public Culture, JMEWS, Cultural Anthropology, Anthropology News, HAU, and a number of edited volumes. Khayyat was a Member of the School of Social Science at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton (2018-2019). Before joining NYUAD, she taught at the American University in Cairo (2013-2023) and the American University of Beirut (2011-2013). She holds a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from Columbia University (2013), an MPhil in Social Anthropology from Cambridge University (1998) and a BA in history (1997) from the American University of Beirut.

The panel explores the evolving identity of contemporary media and its pivotal role in shaping national identity; focusing on the historic contributions of women in journalism and the influence of editorial control on the intellectual landscape. Discussions will address the challenges and barriers to innovation, particularly those related to institutional and societal norms. Speakers will explore the future trajectory of media, emphasizing the role of academic and professional environments in media evolution. The panel aims to shed light on how media shapes and reflects a nation's voice, culture, and future. Speakers Amer bin Jassas, Broadcaster and Interviewer Yusra Adel, Media Professional, Abu Dhabi Media Network In conversation with Noura Al Obeidli, Humanities Research Fellow, NYUAD

Even while the climate crisis deepens, the decarbonization of the global economy and the fourth industrial revolution have been subsumed by geopolitics that remain anchored in realist power struggles, now revolving around Sino-American hyper-competition. Access to indispensable minerals for a net zero future has become securitized undermining ties of global interdependence. The panel of interdisciplinary scholars, institutional stakeholders, and industry experts provides insight into this latest manifestation of resource competition and discusses their contributions to the book Critical Minerals, the Climate Crisis, and the Tech Imperium (Springer Nature, 2023). Panel Members Constantine Karayannopoulos, Former CEO, Neo Performance Materials Kristin Vekasi, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and School of Policy and International Affairs, University of Maine Owen Pell, The Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities; Retired Partner, White & Case LLP Vasileios Tsianos, Director of Corporate Development, Neo Performance Materials Moderated by Sophia Kalantzakos, Global Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Public Policy, NYUAD

Often, the United Arab Emirates is envisioned as a land of ultramodern skyscrapers or vast sand dunes. Yet, the Emirates are much more: a diverse tapestry of ecosystems that are home to a surprising array of life forms uniquely adapted to the Arabian environment. This talk explores the UAE's unique ecosystems, its terrestrial and marine biodiversity, and humanity's role in this young, rapidly evolving nation. Speaker John A. Burt, Author, "A Natural History of the Emirates" (Springer Nature, 2023); Head of the Marine Biology Lab and Associate Professor of Biology, NYUAD

Join us in celebrating International Women's Day 2024 with an inspiring event themed Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. The program features a lineup of speakers who are at the forefront of women and youth empowerment across the globe and will discuss the interplay of education and diplomacy regionally and globally, with a focus on women in innovative leadership. Speakers Gugu Ndebele, Executive Director, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls Ouided Bouchamaoui, Nobel Peace Prize Co-Laureate, Former President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts Opening Remarks Wana Udobang, Multidisciplinary Artist and Storyteller Lisa Coleman, Visiting Professor, NYU Stern School of Business In conversation with Fatiah Touray Esq., Executive Director of Inclusion and Equity, NYUAD

A conversation with filmmaker Shekhar Kapur about his journey through diverse film industries and film genres, across national boundaries. From Masoom (Innocence); India, 1983 to his most recent What's Love Got to Do with it? UK, 2022, from the fantasy film, Mr. India; India, 1987, to realism, Bandit Queen; India, 1994 and historical fiction, Elizabeth; UK 1998, Kapur will share his experiences and insight. Not limited to the single screen, Kapur will share his future projects that include multi-screen installations, gaming, comics and animation. Speakers Shekhar Kapur, Film Director, Producer, Actor; Recipient of National Film Award, Filmfare Awards, BAFTA Nominations In conversation with Surabhi Sharma, Program Head of Film and New Media; Associate Professor of Practice of Film and New Media, NYUAD

Obtaining accurate and current information from conflict zones has long posed numerous challenges for global media. The rise of generative AI and its use in targeted disinformation campaigns presents many new challenges that threaten to undermine the credibility of reporting and sway opinion. In this panel, four distinguished panelists will consider the problems posed by disinformation and generative AI from various perspectives, focusing in particular on the current research about the role of disinformation in today's rapidly changing media landscape. Panel Members Donald Jensen, Senior Advisor for Russia and Europe, US Institute of Peace Joshua Tucker, Professor of Politics, Director Jordan Center for the Advanced Study of Russia, NYU Moderated by Leonid Peisakhin, Associate Professor of Political Science, NYUAD

Kicking off a week-long New York City residency by Kuwaiti music ensemble Boom.Diwan, this panel explores the history and intercultural dynamics of musical cultures in the Arabian Gulf and Africa's Swahili Coast. Based in mercantile trade and cultural exchange dating back many centuries, the music of the Gulf and Western Indian Ocean have developed uniquely rich and cosmopolitan song forms and styles infrequently explored and heard in the West. The panel discusses their ongoing research on this musical nexus and offers musical demonstrations. Panel Members Ghazi Faisal al-Mulaifi, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music, NYUAD Andrew Eisenberg, Program Head and Associate Professor of Music, NYUAD Moderated by Jonathan H. Shannon, Professor of Anthropology, Hunter College and Graduate Center, CUNY; Faculty Director, J-Term Curriculum, Office of Global Education, NYUAD

In this talk, Dr. Sarmast, Founder and Director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM), shares the inspiring journey of ANIM—a remarkable institution that has overcome adversity to emerge as a national and global symbol of hope, resilience, and artistic freedom. The presentation explores how ANIM—known as Afghanistan's happiest place— plays a critical role in preserving the nation's rich musical heritage, while offering a platform for all young Afghans to find their voices and develop their musical abilities. The narrative illustrates the unbreakable spirit of human creativity and music's transformative power in overcoming difficult circumstances by highlighting ANIM's role in advocating for music rights, while also fostering excellence, empowerment, and cross-cultural understanding. ANIM's story is an inspiring example of resilience and unity through the arts. Brought to you by Mubadala and Part of RIWAQ AL FIKR ADMAF Talks Speaker Dr. Ahmad Naser Sarmast, Founder and Director, Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM); UNESCO's Second Annual Cultural Heritage Rescue Prize; International Music Council Musical Rights Award; David Chow Humanitarian Award Moderated by Gwyneth Bravo, Assistant Professor of Music, NYUAD; Global Global Network Assistant Professor of Music, NYU

The roles of mothers across the public/private divide have long been contested and negotiated. How have women leveraged their identities as mothers to assert change in the public sphere? Beyond their achievements, what are the costs borne from these sacrifices? How has motherhood been instrumentalized or weaponized, and whose motherhood counts and whose is discounted? This talk will bring together three speakers to discuss the ways mothers assert agency in public domains and discourses. Their research and experiences - focusing on Argentina, Bangladesh and Egypt - provide insight from across geographies of the Global South on past and present, cross-generational, women's experiences with public work. This talk is part of On Motherhood and its Shadows, an NYUAD Arts & Humanities Research Kitchens Initiative Panel Members Dina M. Siddiqi, Clinical Associate Professor, Global Liberal Studies, NYU Maria Adela Antokoletz, President of International Coalition Against Enforced Disappearances (ICAED) Mona Anis, Writer, Editor, and Translator Moderated by Zaynab El Bernoussi, Visiting Assistant Professor of Social Research and Public Policy, NYUAD

Explore the captivating realm of Shehan Karunatilaka's fiction, which masterfully intertwines the surreal and humorously dark. "The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida" is noted as “an afterlife noir” that reflects Sri Lanka's tumultuous history through a unique lens. In this session, Shehan will share excerpts from his work and discuss his artistic craft, inspiration, and the nuances of addressing conflict and contested memories in writing. Drawing influence from global literary icons like Kurt Vonnegut and Margaret Atwood, Shehan's writing effortlessly connects local experiences to a worldwide audience. Speaker Shehan Karunatilaka, 2022 Booker Prize Winner, Author of 'The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida' (WW Norton & Co, 2022) In conversation with Harshana Rambukwella, Visiting Professor of Literature and Creative Writing, NYUAD

Black holes are one of the most interesting and confusing objects in the universe. Their inevitable possibility is predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity, and their existence is confirmed by numerous experimental observations. Thus, we have to contend with the reality of black holes and seek to understand their ins and outs. In this talk, we journey from the knowns of black holes as one-way streets into an unavoidable end and venture into the unknowns which suggest that the inside of a black hole is secretly on the outside. Speaker Ahmed Almheiri, Assistant Professor of Physics, NYUAD

This panel focuses on the journeys of four outstanding theater professionals who found their voices at NYU Abu Dhabi and are making their way in the US as playwrights, screenwriters and actors—each unique, but having shared the experience of studying and exploring the arts in Abu Dhabi. Image credit: Rubén Polendo Panel Members Fatima Maan, Playwright, NYUAD '18 Adam El Sayigh, Playwright, Screenwriter and Dramaturg, NYUAD ‘18 Arianna Gayle Stucki, Actor and Playwright, NYUAD ‘18 Attilio Rigotti, Theater Maker, Game Designer, Teacher, NYUAD ‘14 Moderated by Rubén Polendo, Associate Dean for the Institute of Performing Arts, NYU Tisch School of the Arts; Founding Theater Program Head, NYUAD

In celebration of UAE National Day, this talk offers an overview of the origins and evolution of Emirati cuisine as an expression of Emirati culture and history. Emirati foodways have grown in tandem with the development of the region within the contexts of trade across the Arabian Peninsula and Indian Ocean regions. The rise of an Emirati cuisine parallels the remarkable transformation of the UAE into a global leader in technology and culture, as well as in the transition to a more sustainable and secure future. Speaker Jonathan H. Shannon, Professor of Anthropology, Hunter College and Graduate Center, CUNY; Faculty Director, J-Term Curriculum, Office of Global Education, NYUAD

Explore the intriguing connections between the realms of physics, cosmology, and quantum physics with the music that defines an era. This talk examines the narrative of cosmic structure, interpreting it through the elements of jazz music, and unveiling the harmonious relationship between these diverse yet unified fields. Speakers Stephon Alexander, Professor of Physics, Brown University In conversation with Arlie Petters, Provost, NYUAD

Addressing the urgency of climate change and the foundational role of international agreements like the Paris Agreement of 2015, countries are urged to adopt concrete domestic measures. Beyond the realms of international directives, the evolution of 'climate law' encompasses various sectors, including administrative, commercial, human rights, and more. As nations worldwide adopt distinctive models for this, such as the UK, France, and the USA, understanding these shifts becomes paramount. This panel's primary focus is to assemble legal experts to extensively explore the intricacies and challenges of climate law and its domestic implications, particularly emphasizing the path toward achieving Net Zero. Speakers Benedict Kingsbury, Vice Dean, Global Programs Murry and Ida Becker Professor of Law Director, Institute for International Law and Justice, NYU Damilola S. Olawuyi, Professor and Associate Dean for Research, UNESCO Chairholder on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, Hamad Bin Khalifa University Jinan Bastaki, Associate Professor of Legal Studies, NYUAD Richard Honey KC, Barrister, Francis Taylor Building Moderated by Aude Epstein, Assistant Professor of Legal Studies, NYUAD

This talk discusses how it's common to embark on a challenging pursuit without knowing the likelihood of success. As we encounter hurdles and setbacks, we face a crucial decision: to give up or persevere. Optimism about our chances can prevent premature despair. The talk argues that "grit"—persisting in adversity—is rational only if it avoids unrealistic optimism. Rational striving requires close attention to our abilities and strengths and assessing whether our circumstances will likely support our success. We present a model of striving that seeks to encapsulate the multifaceted nature of this essential capacity of agents. Speakers Jennifer Morton, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Pennsylvania Sarah Paul, Professor of Philosophy, NYUAD

Sam Altman may be on the verge of a dramatic comeback at OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company that created ChatGPT. Altman was fired by the board of directors on Friday – but multiple media reports suggest that investors including Microsoft want him back. We've got the latest analysis from Nancy Gleason, Director of the Hilary Ballon Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at NYUAD, and Associate Professor of Practice, Political Science, New York University Abu Dhabi on whether Altman's a hero or a villain. In the lead up to National Day we look at what the UAE's job market is looking like and where the country has reached in its Emiratization efforts with Talib Hashim, Managing Director of TBH Advisory and Partner in Sdara. Plus, we speak to ​​​​​Zhann Jochinke, COO, Property Monitor + Director of Market Intelligence & Research at Cavendish Maxwell on Dubai property transactions setting a new annual record. Finally, the Coca-Cola Arena is hosting more business conferences, pivoting from its usual diet of concerts and entertainment events - we speak to Mark Jan Kar, General Manager, Coca-Cola Arena to tell us more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Bragin – executive artistic director of the NYUAD Arts Center – talks to us about the center's upcoming season, how it's impacted the city of Abu Dhabi so far, and what he envisions for the future of both the center and its ripple effect on the country as a whole. Bill shares his approach to curatorial work and practice, as well as the importance of responding to a space/venue when programming. We also reflect on what it means to exchange culture and build long-lasting educational institutions, and how Abu Dhabi's unique audience has reacted to the center's work so far. This conversation kicks off the second season of the podcast series in collaboration with The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi and delves deep into the intricate tapestry of the Arab world's histories and cultures. This podcast is your passport to the Arab world's rich and diverse histories and cultures. Get ready to embark on an immersive journey of knowledge, inspiration and endless curiosity. ABOUT THE SERIESJoin us on an intellectual odyssey with The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi Podcast Series that delves deep into the intricate tapestry of the Arab world's histories and cultures. As our guests share their expertise and personal journeys, we invite you to embark on a voyage of discovery. Prepare to be enlightened, entertained, and intrigued, as each conversation sparks a new flame of curiosity within you. The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi Podcast Series  is your passport to the Arab world's rich and diverse histories and cultures. Get ready to embark on an immersive journey of knowledge, inspiration, and endless curiosity.****** ABOUT AFIKRA ******‎ afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region- past, present, and future - through conversations driven by curiosity.

Justin K. Stearns talked about his work as professor of Arab Crossroads Studies at NYUAD and his research in contagion and diseases in Al-Andalus and North Africa.Justin Stearns received his BA in English and History from Dartmouth College in 1998 and his PhD in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University in 2007. He is a Professor of Arab Crossroads Studies at New York University Abu Dhabi. His research interests focus on the intersection of law, science, and theology in the pre-modern Muslim Middle East. His first book was a comparative intellectual history of Muslim and Christian understanding of contagion, especially in the context of the plague, entitled Infectious Ideas: Contagion in Pre-Modern Islamic and Christian Thought in the Western Mediterranean (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011).Created by Mikey Muhanna, afikraHosted by Aya NimerEdited by: Ramzi RammanTheme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/About the afikra Conversations:Our long-form interview series features academics, arts, ‎and media experts who are helping document and/or shape the history and culture of the Arab world through their ‎work. Our hope is that by having the guest share their expertise and story, the community still walks away with newfound curiosity - and maybe some good recommendations about new nerdy rabbit holes to dive into headfirst. ‎Following the interview, there is a moderated town-hall-style Q&A with questions coming from the live virtual audience ‎on Zoom.‎ Join the live audience: https://www.afikra.com/rsvp   FollowYoutube - Instagram (@afikra_) - Facebook - Twitter Support www.afikra.com/supportAbout afikra:‎afikra is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region- past, present, and future - through conversations driven by curiosity. Read more about us on  afikra.com 

Hervé Koubi spoke to us in this special collaboration episode with NYUAD about What The Day Owes To The Night, which tells the story of a young boy from Yasmina Khadra's novel through  highly physical, stunningly fluid, gravity-defying piece that combines capoeira, martial arts, urban, and contemporary dance.Hervé Koubi is a dancer at the National Choreographic Center of Nantes Claude Brumachon and Benjamin Lamarche then at the National Choreographic Center of Caen with Karine Saporta and the Thor Company in Brussels with Thierry Smits, he created his choreographic project in 2000. His choreographic work was born from a mixture of techniques and influences, at the crossroads of urban dances and ballet. Hervé Koubi today wishes to question these choreographic languages ​​to get rid of a unique technique and develop a new style of writing. Considering the porosity of techniques between them as a space for experimentation and going beyond technical and aesthetic frameworks and affiliations, he now wishes to pose the precisely blurred borders of a ballet of the 21st century, precisely open and current. Choreographer committed in the developpement of dance for the communities, it is also in the encounter and sharing between his works, his audiences and his practices that he develops numerous projects of territories and artistic education. He was awarded in July 2015 with the Order of the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.Created and hosted by Mikey Muhanna, afikraEdited by: Ramzi RammanTheme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/About the afikra Conversations:Our long-form interview series features academics, arts, ‎and media experts who are helping document and/or shape the history and culture of the Arab world through their ‎work. Our hope is that by having the guest share their expertise and story, the community still walks away with newfound curiosity - and maybe some good recommendations about new nerdy rabbit holes to dive into headfirst. ‎Following the interview, there is a moderated town-hall-style Q&A with questions coming from the live virtual audience ‎on Zoom.‎ Join the live audience: https://www.afikra.com/rsvp   FollowYoutube - Instagram (@afikra_) - Facebook - Twitter Support www.afikra.com/supportAbout afikra:‎afikra is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region- past, present, and future - through conversations driven by curiosity. Read more about us on  afikra.com

Reem Almenhali and Joanna Settle spoke to us in this special collaboration episode with NYUAD about their play, Al Raheel | Departure, which is about the depth and diversity of life as a woman in the UAE.Created and hosted by Mikey Muhanna, afikraEdited by: Ramzi RammanTheme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/About the afikra Conversations:Our long-form interview series features academics, arts, ‎and media experts who are helping document and/or shape the history and culture of the Arab world through their ‎work. Our hope is that by having the guest share their expertise and story, the community still walks away with newfound curiosity - and maybe some good recommendations about new nerdy rabbit holes to dive into headfirst. ‎Following the interview, there is a moderated town-hall-style Q&A with questions coming from the live virtual audience ‎on Zoom.‎ Join the live audience: https://www.afikra.com/rsvp   FollowYoutube - Instagram (@afikra_) - Facebook - Twitter Support www.afikra.com/supportAbout afikra:‎afikra is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region- past, present, and future - through conversations driven by curiosity. Read more about us on  afikra.com