Among some of my faculty colleagues in New York, NYU Abu Dhabi and the recreation of NYU as a Global Network University remain controversial, if not downright undesirable, projects. Some of my colleagues have gone so far as to engage in e-mail diatribes against those...
Definition: foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals; especially : marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action (from Merriam-Webster). Example: trying to recycle in Abu Dhabi. Recycling in Abu Dhabi involves taking this...
As I write in the waning hours of June 20, we are still 3 hours from the June solstice, which (according to the Seasons Calculator at timeanddate.com) is due to take place locally at 3:08 GST on June 21. I grew up calling it the “summer solstice,” but...
Abu Dhabi is a dusty city, not surprising given its location on the Arabian Peninsula. It’s also a city with a penchant for building glass towers. Winter sandstorms, summer humidity, and year-round construction mean that the glass on the towers gets mighty dirty...
It’s exhilarating, but not a little strange, to be living in a country that’s younger than I am. I turned 50 back in October; the United Arab Emirates turn 40 tomorrow. Every December 2, the country celebrates “National Day,” which commemorates...
