In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Conference Center A6 building
New York University Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island Campus
Saadiyat Island
Abu Dhabi, Abū Z̧aby
United Arab Emirates

Amal Al Gergawi

Student

As an Emirati, Amal is proud of the traditions and culture in which she lives. Yet, sometimes she cannot help feeling a little distant as she thinks about her Egyptian roots through her mother. In her talk, Amal shares her thoughts on her transnationalism and encourages us to embrace the diversity of our heritage.

Chaeri Lee

Student

Where is Waldo really? A seemingly simple question on a university application form got Chaeri thinking. What would happen if we described ourselves not by what or who we are, but by where we are? In her talk, Chaeri will reflect on self-identity and how we define ourselves.

Doug Cutchins

‎Director of Global Awards NYU Abu Dhabi

Doug is a beloved and successful careers advisor at NYUAD. He has an impressive track record of advising two dozen Rhodes national finalists, and four Rhodes scholarship recipients. In his talk, Doug will unveil his key to success and question what success really is!

Jessica Mow

Neuroscience Research Assistant

After graduating from Tufts University, Jessica came to NYUAD to be a Research Assistant in the Neuroscience of Language Lab. As well as her interest in science, Jessica has a passion for media and has been involved in print and radio media. Science and media have a complicated relationship with the ability to educate or misinform. In her talk, Jessica explores this relationship and suggests ways we could be more effective in our efforts.

Joey Bui

Student

What goes around comes around. That’s what they say, but what if your decisions today include thoughts of the past and future? What if what you do today goes on to affect someone else? Joey’s parents fled the Vietnam War and arrived in Australia as refugees. Today she has the immigrant drive to do well not only for herself, but also for her parents and her grandparents. In her talk, Joey will present the idea of linear karma, in which what you do today can inspire and impact others for the greater good.

Krishna Gaire

Student

Krishna made it to an U.S. American university from Nepal. He was lucky, not in a four-leaf clover way, but through various opportunities. In his talk, Krishna Gaire describes his new initiative that makes other students lucky.

Mariam ElZoghbi

Student

In January 2011, there were violent revolutions in Egypt. Mariam was trapped in her home, one day making molotov cocktails and the next baking a cake! In her talk, Mariam tells us her story of those revolutions and how Cairo remains as her home.

Obase Aboli

Contract Staff and Musician

Obase comes from Cameroon and has a love of music. His mother pushed him to a career as a medical professional, but no matter how hard she pushed, Obase found his way back to music. He is now a master of musical improvisation and has developed a style on the keyboard to imitate the xylophone that he used to play at school. Obase speaks about how he overcame others' expectations and followed his passion; encouraging the audience to do the same!

Yahya John Scaccia

Student

Jihad in Arabic means an act of struggle. On receiving his offer to attend New York University Abu Dhabi, Yahya received a less-than-supportive letter from his grandmother. She said ”The decision that you make now will affect you for the rest of your life” and she was right. In his talk, Yahya addresses the letter and discusses his jihad, which is to raise awareness of the true values and beauty of Islam.