News

Masdar Institute welcomes new students to Abu Dhabi

September 21, 2018

New students, representing 25 nations around the world, have joined fellow classmates from the UAE for a unique program of activities designed to familiarize students to their new surrounds as well as provide a cultural introduction to life in the UAE. The program included a cultural tour and presentation by UAE National students as well as a visit to Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Abu Dhabi Heritage Village amongst other landmark sites of interest.

Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, said: “It is particularly pleasing to welcome such a diverse group of students from around the world to join some of the brightest minds in the UAE in response to the most significant challenges of our time. I am convinced this group of students will make an invaluable contribution to Abu Dhabi and the world as a whole.”

The orientation program led by faculty and representatives of Masdar City alongside students from the inaugural academic year, introduced the practice of sustainable living to those students due to make the forthcoming move into the new Masdar Institute campus in Masdar City. An interactive seminar discussed different life and technology choices that can contribute to energy efficiency, and waste and pollution reduction.

“Many of our students are experiencing the way of life in the Middle East and Abu Dhabi for the first time and orientation is an important time to adjust and settle into a new environment. For students of Masdar Institute respecting the local culture goes hand in hand with respecting the local environment and adhering to the principles of sustainable living. The seminar held this week will have provided an excellent introduction to help our student prepare to be the first residents of Masdar City”, added Dr. Moavenzadeh.

Masdar Institute was established as part of the Government of Abu Dhabi’s vision and commitment to a long-term, sustainable knowledge economy. The research-driven Institute has been developed in cooperation with one of the world’s most respected universities, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Masdar Institute, which will be the centerpiece of the multifaceted Masdar Initiative, launched by Mubadala Development Company, will feed Abu Dhabi and the region with highly talented individuals and research expertise, thereby enhancing economic development and diversification through human capital and technological innovation.