NYUAD Institute

Evaluating historical leadership effectiveness poses challenges, particularly when analyzing figures like the blessed Islamic Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, a military leader involved in wars that created new power structures and a prophet who ushered in dramatically original and transformational ways of understanding monotheistic religion and its relationship with politics. Records often bear the bias of their authors, and attributing success or failure directly to a leader’s actions may overlook external factors and contributions from others. Despite these hurdles, this talk strives to offer an objective, meaningful exploration of Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ leadership. Speakers Joel Hayward, Author, "The Leadership of Muhammad: A Historical Reconstruction" (Claritas Books, 2023); Professor of Strategic Thought, Rabdan Academy

Join us for an engaging evening with Francisco Goldman, a distinguished and multi-award-winning author renowned for his remarkable contributions to both fiction and nonfiction literature. In this captivating talk, Goldman delves into the pages of his latest novel, Monkey Boy, a literary masterpiece celebrated by The New Yorker critic James Woods for its infusion of rebellious comedy and vitality. As a natural-born storyteller, Goldman will take you on a journey through his witty, intimate, and sarcastically all-knowing narrative style, offering insights into his creative process and the intriguing world he has crafted. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the literary prowess of Francisco Goldman as he shares excerpts and anecdotes from Monkey Boy in a thought-provoking discussion. Speakers Francisco Goldman, Acclaimed Author of "Monkey Boy" (Grove Press, 2021); Journalist and Literary Figure In Collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi Arts and Humanities

Key figures involved in The Arts Center’s creation explore the significance and meaning of arts documentation while reflecting on their collaborative journey capturing seven years of The Arts Center’s history. They offer unique perspectives on their approaches and their individual and collective contributions toward this effort. Speakers Waleed Shah, Photographer, Creative Thinker, and Entrepreneur Bill Bragin, Executive Artistic Director, The Arts Center, NYUAD Nadine Khalil, Editor, Curator, and Critic Moderated by Mariët Westermann, Vice Chancellor, NYUAD

This talk explores the groundbreaking achievements of our ancestors in ancient Abu Dhabi, highlighting the complexity and significance of their pioneering innovations in archaeology. Discover the techniques and methods employed by ancient societies to craft stone axes, domesticate animals, transport goods over long distances, and develop bronze, humanity's first composite artificial material. The talk also discusses the UAE's global role as an exporter of copper long before the advent of oil. Speakers Ivan Semian, Director of Karmir Bloor Archeo Park in Yerevan, Armenia In Collaboration with Dhakira Center for Heritage Studies in the UAE, NYUAD

This talk explores the profound insights of Abd al-Latif al-Baghdadi, an intellectual luminary who connected Aristotle's teachings with the emerging scientific method. Al-Baghdadi's meticulous observations of Egypt from eight centuries ago illuminate its diverse flora, fauna, and cultural intricacies. At the same time, they chronicle the challenges of famine and societal disruption in Cairo. Through the lens of Tim Mackintosh-Smith, the talk also touches upon the enigmatic tales of al-Baghdadi's alleged reappearance in twentieth-century London. Speakers Tim Mackintosh-Smith, Author of "Arabs: A 3,000-Year History of Peoples, Tribes and Empires" (Yale University Press, 2019); Historian, Arabist, and Traveler Part of "Library of Arabic Literature Book"

Presenting two captivating works by director Ursula Biemann, explore the profound connections of Indigenous communities to their natural environments. In the enthralling oceanic journey titled "Acoustic Ocean," we are transported to the Arctic Islands of Lofoten. Here, a scientist delves into the realm of acoustic ecology, probing the mysteries of the oceans and forging connections across species. The film's poetic portrayal invites us to contemplate the ocean's hidden symphony—replete with nascent life forms, imaginative interconnections, and the evolution of the planetary ecosystem. Through this science-fictional lens, Ursula Biemann unveils the intricate tapestry that binds life beneath the waves. [Director: Ursula Biemann | Norway | 2018 | 18 mins | English] Continuing our voyage, "Forest Mind" unveils an intricate narrative woven in collaboration with the Indigenous Inga community of the Amazonian forests in southern Colombia. Ursula Biemann's enduring partnership with this community gives rise to an Indigenous university, emerging as a testament to Indigenous wisdom. From the profound intelligence of plants to the sentient consciousness of the territory, the film deftly entwines diverse research strands. Rooted in both scientific and shamanic perspectives, "Forest Mind" champions an eco-centric worldview, bridging the realms of empirical knowledge and ancient wisdom. Through this cinematic creation, the NYUAD Institute bridges disparate ways of comprehending our Earth. [Director: Ursula Biemann | Switzerland | 2021 | 31 mins | English] Screenings followed by Q&A with the film director Ursula Biemann

The explosion at Beirut's port in 2020 wreaked havoc on the American University of Beirut (AUB) Archaeological Museum, shattering 72 valuable glass artifacts. This talk reveals the story of these vessels' journey from Beirut to the British Museum in London, through their recovery, conservation, and exhibition phases. And it underscores the pivotal role of international collaboration, training, and outreach in heritage conservation. Speakers Dr. Duygu Çamurcuoğlu, Senior Conservator and Researcher, Department of Collection Care, The British Museum In Collaboration with Dhakira Center for Heritage Studies in the UAE, NYUAD

Dr. Raja Al Gurg is one of the most successful businesswomen in the Arab world. Discover the insights behind her latest book, The Power of Authenticity: Three Principles of Leadership Success, as she unveils the challenges and triumphs that paved her path to becoming a prominent Emirati businesswoman. With a legacy as Chairperson and Managing Director of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, Dr. Al Gurg's journey embodies empowerment and leadership. Be inspired by her advocacy for Arab women entrepreneurs, and gain unique perspectives on authentic leadership in the Arab world's business landscape. Speaker Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Chairperson and Managing Director, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group In conversation with AbdelQader AlSaqqaf, UAE Youth Delegate to the United Nations

Al-Andalus is often depicted as a site of particular religious tolerance, and the twelfth century as its denouement, with foreign interlopers locked in holy war. Ibn Mardanīsh (r. 1147-72), known as the Wolf King, complicates narratives of religious enmity and of al-Andalus' distinct culture. This talk, based on the recently published book The Wolf King: Ibn Mardanīsh and the Construction of Power in al-Andalus, explores Ibn Mardanīsh's brief rule. It then considers how the memory of this ruler has been distorted in the time since his death, as racial and religious hierarchies have promoted the idea of al-Andalus as particularly exceptional for its position in Europe. Speakers Abigail Krasner Balbale, Author, "The Wolf King: Ibn Mardanīsh and the Construction of Power in al-Andalus" (Cornell UP, 2023); Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies and History, NYU

The life of a marine turtle is a struggle for survival from the day they hatch, facing obstacles, natural predators, and various anthropogenic threats. Climate change exposes marine turtles to even more significant existential threats. Our warming climate may be driving marine turtles into extinction. But what does this mean for turtles along the warmest sea in the world? This presenter will provide insight into marine turtle conservation in Abu Dhabi and their latest findings assessing climate change-associated impacts on marine turtles. Speakers Dr. Hind Al Ameri, Marine Conservation Scientist, Sea Turtle Biologist, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD)