Alfred Bloom was retired for just two days when he received the call.
It was the chance to be among the leadership of New York University, not in his native New York, but 11,000km away in Abu Dhabi.
That was the beginning of a remarkable journey for him and the seat of learning that today attracts more than 115 nationalities.
As the inaugural vice-chancellor of NYUAD announced he was stepping down as its top administrator next year, he sat down with The National.
“I feel it important to let you know now, so that the community has ample time to mount a comprehensive global search for the next vice chancellor and to offer him or her a comfortable time frame for transition here,” he said.
Dr Bloom was recruited in 2008 to lead the new Abu Dhabi campus immediately after announcing his retirement from Swarthmore College, the private liberal arts college in suburban Philadelphia where he served as president for 18 years.
“As my wife said, I was unemployed basically for about two days,” said Dr Bloom. He was contacted by then-NYU president John Sexton, who presented a vision for the proposed new university.
“He said, ‘I want you to establish a liberal arts college at the same level of intellectual seriousness and with the same commitment to social responsibility and with the same type of world recognition as Swarthmore had, but I want you to do something beyond that,’” said Dr Bloom.
“’I want you to place it in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Government. I want you to make it a totally global institution, which has the ability to stretch itself and students and the faculty across differences in the world and come to be able to bridge those differences and understand those differences in an important way for the future.’”
The pitch worked. It “caught my imagination as something really exciting and really important,” said Dr Bloom.
At the time, NYU Abu Dhabi was only beginning to take shape. The campus on Saadiyat Island was still in the conceptual stage, and construction work wouldn’t begin until 2010.
“We had no idea of where we would house students or faculty,” said Dr Bloom. “And, then, an apartment building grew called Sama Tower, and we said to the government, ‘Can we have that?’ And, a miracle, they said yes.”
Sama Tower, in the heart of Abu Dhabi, would serve as the temporary residence for students and faculty until 2014, when construction of the Saadiyat campus and residences were completed.
Most classes and campus activities those early years were held in a provisional Downtown Campus. Labs were set up in a dedicated building in Mussafah.
With the temporary facilities in place, Dr Bloom faced another challenge: how to convince the best and brightest students from around the world to join NYUAD for its inaugural year. The university had originally set a target of recruiting 100 students for its first freshman class. It received more than 9,000 applications and admitted 150 students from 39 countries for its introductory academic year in 2010.
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Read more:
NYUAD to host UAE's first space data centre
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"Al took on one of the most daunting, and yet one of the most exciting, tasks in higher education: the leadership of a campus that is being created where none existed before,” said NYU president Andrew Hamilton. “Most of us, when we step into a campus leadership position, can rely on established practices, traditions, and history to guide us. Not so, with Al and NYU Abu Dhabi. He not only had to lead the school, he had to be ever conscious that the decisions he, his team, and other colleagues back in New York made would begin to form the traditions, define its character, and help establish its place in the Abu Dhabi community. And his success was extraordinary.”
The student body has since grown to more than 1,200 undergraduate students – including 361 freshmen admitted this academic year – representing more than 115 nationalities. Emiratis now make up 15 per cent of the student population, compared with less than 1 per cent during the school’s first year of operation. The university has produced 10 Rhodes Scholars, including six Emiratis.
“Even in its infancy, NYU Abu Dhabi attracted excellent faculty and remarkable students, students who turned down some of the world's most prominent universities because they were drawn to the idea of a genuinely global education,” said Dr Hamilton. “And those students went on to win Rhodes scholarships, appointments to the top graduate and professional schools, and positions at leading companies and organizations.”
The Abu Dhabi Government continues to fully finance the university.
“There is tremendous and very generous funding by the Abu Dhabi government,” said Dr Bloom.
“I don’t know any government in the world that would even envision or actually implement a funding policy for a student body made up of so many students that aren’t from their own country.
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Read more:
'It feels like home': how NYUAD is attracting students from Texas to Afghanistan
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"It is a vision of international outreach, of global unity, of long-term understanding that every one of those kids is going to become an ambassador for the UAE and is going to take the learning and the vision that comes from the UAE with them when they go around the world. That model is just amazing and unprecedented.”
The university is also establishing its own development office, “so that we can share in that cost,” said Dr Bloom. “The more we can contribute, the more we’ll feel that there is a more just distribution of responsibility.”
Plans are also underway to double the number of faculty as NYUAD boosts its research capacity and gets ready to launch graduate programs within the next five to eight years.
Last year, the university employed 196 standing faculty, 37 affiliated and 40 visiting faculty. In 2017, the faculty published 95 research articles in the top academic journals tracked by the Nature Index. By comparison, the United Arab Emirates University published seven, the second-highest amount in the country. The UAE now ranks among the top 50 countries for high quality research output.
“It’s quite amazing what they have been able to do,” Dr Bloom said of the faculty. “What has happened is not only has the undergraduate student body lived up to every expectation in terms of every dimension that one would use to judge undergraduate program results, but the research of the faculty is totally impressive on world standards.”
Dr Bloom, 72, said the past 10 years have been a “phenomenal period in my life” but that “it is really the right time” for him to step aside.
“I think what we have accomplished as a university is really historic, but I think it’s very good to set an amount of time for any given leader of an institution so that they are always ready to bring in fresh perspectives and new richness to the leadership of the institution.”
Asked what he will miss most about Abu Dhabi, Dr Bloom said: “I’m going to miss the project immensely. What our students are accomplishing, how they are being transformed into these agents of global change and cooperation, to see this faculty producing research that’s really going to make a difference in health, a difference in environment, a difference in peace – it’s totally energizing.”
Symone Gamble, a social research and public policy graduate of the NYU Abu Dhabi class of 2014, said Dr Bloom is a “pioneer” who wholeheartedly believed in not only the potential of the university, but also of its students.
“I think the campus will miss Dr. Bloom’s warmth and joyful energy,” said Ms Gamble, 26, who works at Google in California. “Dr Bloom’s legacy reminds us that we can envision and build any dream we have.”
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
All Black 39-12 British & Irish Lions
Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Cricket World Cup League 2 Fixtures
Saturday March 5, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy (all matches start at 9.30am)
Sunday March 6, Oman v Namibia, ICC Academy
Tuesday March 8, UAE v Namibia, ICC Academy
Wednesday March 9, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy
Friday March 11, Oman v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Saturday March 12, UAE v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri, Muhammad Waseem, CP Rizwan, Vriitya Aravind, Asif Khan, Basil Hameed, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Karthik Meiyappan, Akif Raja, Rahul Bhatia
Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule
1st Test July 26-30 in Galle
2nd Test August 3-7 in Colombo
3rd Test August 12-16 in Pallekele
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Race card
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; 5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; 6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (PA) 1,400m
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
The specs
Engine: 8.0-litre, quad-turbo 16-cylinder
Transmission: 7-speed auto
0-100kmh 2.3 seconds
0-200kmh 5.5 seconds
0-300kmh 11.6 seconds
Power: 1500hp
Torque: 1600Nm
Price: Dh13,400,000
On sale: now
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
SPECS
%3Cp%3EEngine%3A%20Twin-turbocharged%204-litre%20V8%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20625%20bhp%3Cbr%3ETorque%3A%20630Nm%3Cbr%3EOn%20sale%3A%20Now%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh974%2C011%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium (Malacca, Malayisa)
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia scheduled for October 10
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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%3Cp%3ECreator%3A%20Tima%20Shomali%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0Tara%20Abboud%2C%C2%A0Kira%20Yaghnam%2C%20Tara%20Atalla%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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How it works
Booklava works on a subscription model. On signing up you receive a free book as part of a 30-day-trial period, after which you pay US$9.99 (Dh36.70) per month to gain access to a library of books and discounts of up to 30 per cent on selected titles. You can cancel your subscription at any time. For more details go to www.booklava.com
Health Valley
Founded in 2002 and set up as a foundation in 2006, Health Valley has been an innovation in healthcare for more than 10 years in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
It serves as a place where companies, businesses, universities, healthcare providers and government agencies can collaborate, offering a platform where they can connect and work together on healthcare innovation.
Its partners work on technological innovation, new forms of diagnostics and other methods to make a difference in healthcare.
Its agency consists of eight people, four innovation managers and office managers, two communication advisers and one director. It gives innovation support to businesses and other parties in its network like a broker, connecting people with the right organisation to help them further
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
RESULTS
6.30pm UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) US$100,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Final Song, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer).
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (Turf) 1,000m
Winner Almanaara, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson.
7.40pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Grand Argentier, Brett Doyle, Doug Watson.
8.15pm Meydan Challenge Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Major Partnership, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
8.50pm Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Gladiator King, Mickael Barzalona, Satish Seemar.
9.25pm Dubai Racing Club Classic Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m
Winner Universal Order, Richard Mullen, David Simcock.
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
PRIMERA LIGA FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
Atletico Madrid v Sevilla (3pm)
Alaves v Real Madrid (6.15pm)
Malaga v Athletic Bilbao (8.30pm)
Girona v Barcelona (10.45pm)
Sunday
Espanyol v Deportivo la Coruna (2pm)
Getafe v Villarreal (6.15pm)
Eibar v Celta Vigo (8.30pm)
Las Palmas v Leganes (8.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Valencia (10.45pm)
Monday
Real Betis v Levante (11.pm)
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
The specs: Fenyr SuperSport
Price, base: Dh5.1 million
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 800hp @ 7,100pm
Torque: 980Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 13.5L / 100km
