The Big Apple is a maverick of arts on a global scale. And the New York University of Abu Dhabi is continuing that tradition with its Arts Center. No doubt you can have a brilliant cultural experience in Abu Dhabi, and we are now going to tell you how. 

Situated on the vibrant cultural hub of Saadiyat Island, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is a dynamic laboratory for performance, seamlessly integrating the arts, academia, and community engagement. Since its inception, The Arts Center has enriched both the cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD campus through its extensive public programming and innovative initiatives and fostering relationships between distinguished international artists, scholars, students, and the broader community.

At the heart of The Arts Center is an array of performance spaces that accommodate multiple artistic disciplines. As home to NYUAD’s Theater, Music, Film and New Media, Visual Arts, and Interactive Media departments, the venue offers a unified platform for all arts, including a gallery, theatres, rehearsal rooms, editing studios, and workshop spaces. This allows for an immersive environment where creativity flourishes across genres.

The Arts Center’s cultural mixology mission is to present an eclectic array of music, theatre, dance, film, poetry, and interdisciplinary performances that transcend traditional boundaries. As both a presenter and incubator of artistic work, the centre provides a unique platform for artistic exploration and knowledge exchange. It promotes excellence, creativity, and innovation while remaining accessible to all — local, regional, and international audiences alike.

Emphasising the values of respect, collaboration, and understanding, The Arts Center aims to be a beacon on the global arts scene, while remaining firmly rooted in the UAE’s cultural fabric. It also serves as a space for active research and investigation, enriching both the intellectual and creative experiences of its audiences and the artists who perform there.

"It’s thrilling to see The Arts Center grow and evolve as a trusted destination for groundbreaking performances. Our audiences come to discover inspiring new experiences, and we remain committed to deepening these relationships,” says Bill Bragin, the centre’s founding Executive Artistic Director (source: NYUAD). 

This cultural hub is definitely working towards reinvention of traditional cultural spaces, uncovering new multi-disciplinary and immersive formats.

Under his guidance, the centre has become a vital player in Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape. A co-founder of the globalFEST, Bragin believes that cross-cultural artistic dialogue is essential to creating empathetic connections between communities and providing a platform for diverse voices, earning accolades such as the 2018 and 2019 Pride of Abu Dhabi Awards.

Reflecting on his work in Abu Dhabi, Bragin highlights the region’s porous and welcoming cultural scene, where collaboration across disciplines is actively encouraged. He noted, "We’re seeing a fascinating blend of transnational, transdisciplinary voices shaping a unique UAE artistic identity."​

Bragin’s vast experience, including leadership roles at Lincoln Center and Joe’s Pub programme at The Public Theater in New York, has brought a global perspective to The Arts Center. Bragin has been deeply involved in promoting innovative and diverse artistic expressions, basing on his experience of festival programming, music curation, and public arts initiatives. His efforts have positioned The Arts Center as a global crossroads for creativity, where local and international artists converge.

Designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, The Arts Center boasts state-of-the-art facilities equipped to accommodate world-class performances. With acoustics crafted by Shen Milsom & Wilke, the centre’s multi-venue complex offers an ideal space for varied performances, from intimate shows to large-scale productions.

The Arts Center’s success is supported by the business community in the UAE, with leading partnerships helping to foster the arts in Abu Dhabi. Mubadala, the centre’s lead season sponsor, plays a key role in ensuring the continuation of top-tier programming. Dance Reflections by Van Cleef and Arpels sponsors dance performances, while GAC supports as a sustainer sponsor. The centre’s media partner, Yalla, along with branding and design support from Quite Franckly, further elevates its public presence.