####Ahlan Ramadan

With the sweet smell of kunafa in the air, students enjoyed the tastes of Ramadan. Organized by The Office of Student Life, the Office of Social Responsibility, the Muslim Students Association and Sufraa, the event aimed to educate students on the Islamic tradition of Ramadan. The first part of the event involved five booths, each of which provided different information on Ramadan. One booth focused on gratitude and giving back during Ramadan, while another focused on the different ways in which Ramadan is celebrated in different countries.

The second part of the event was a panel of several prominent Emirati women. They spoke about their work, the meaning of Ramadan to them and how they celebrate this month. Dania Odeh, Events Manager for the Muslim Students Association, emphasized the importance of educating the diverse student body at NYU Abu Dhabi about Ramadan, “As NYUAD students reside in a Muslim country, it is very important that they learn about Muslim traditions, such as the month of Ramadan and how Muslims spend it so they become aware of the do's and don't’s during this month.”

####Long Night Against Procrastination

On May 3, the library hosted this semester’s Long Night Against Procrastination. They extended opening hours until 3 a.m. and there were snacks, pizza and drinks provided to fuel late night studying. Also on offer were consultations with writing instructors, peer tutors and librarians to help out with research questions throughout the evening.

For Ji Young Kim, class of 2020, the event surpassed her expectations. “To be completely honest, I was a little worried about the library event because I thought it might actually distract me but it motivated me even more. It was nice having a lot of people come and study together,” wrote Kim.

####Theater Capstone Performances

From May 1 to May 6 theater students from the class of 2017 presented their capstones. Six students presented their performances during the festival. Matapee by Eve Hamel Smith, In The Garden When It Happened by Laura Waltje, Can we talk? by Alexandre Bagot, My House is Burning by Salber Williams, Anaemia by Lucas Olscamp and 65 Joules by Rita Akroush. Humera by Fatima Maan was performed the week before, on April 28.

Directed by Eve Hamel-Smith, class of 2017, Matapee was performed twice, on May 5 and 6.

“Matapee by [Hamel-Smith] was a very thought provoking piece,” said Dhruvi Joshi, class of 2020. “It made me realize the importance of human interaction and solidarity. [Hamel-Smith] brings to light the passive nature of issues such as domestic violence.”

Hamel-Smith described the performance as “a homage to the strong women in my life, performed by a cast of strong women.”