Skip to content

Abu Dhabi Campus

Dubai Campus

Welcome to Zayed University!

Join us for Ya Hala Welcome Day 2025!

During this fun-filled festival, you will meet your peers, get to know your new university, and explore your campus. Are you ready to become Uniquely ZU?

Dubai Campus: August 12, 2025

Abu Dhabi Campus:August 13 & 14, 2025 (depending on your college)

Ya Hala 2025 Schedule

Schedule and Agenda

Dubai Campus, Atrium | Tuesday, August 12, 2025

  • 09:30 am – 10:30 am  |  Attendance & Welcoming Activities
  • 10:30 am – 10:45 am  |  Welcoming Remarks
  • 10:45 am – 11:15 am   |  Ambassadors 101 Intro to ZU Life
  • 11:15 am – 01:30 pm | Ya Hala Festival & ID Collection
  • 09:30 am – 11:30 am  |  Parents’ Lounge 
Abu Dhabi Campus, M Wing | Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Students in these colleges should attend on this day: 

  • College of Interdisciplinary Studies
  • College of Arts and Creative Enterprises
  • College of Business
  • College of Communication & Media Sciences
  • 09:30 am – 10:30 am  |  Attendance & Welcoming Activities
  • 10:30 am – 10:45 am  |  Welcoming Remarks
  • 10:45 am – 11:15 am   |  Ambassadors 101 Intro to ZU Life
  • 11:15 am – 01:30 pm | Ya Hala Festival & ID Collection
  • 09:30 am – 11:30 am  |  Parents’ Lounge 

Abu Dhabi Campus, M Wing | Thursday, August 14, 2025

Students in these colleges should attend on this day: 

  • College of Technological Innovation
  • College of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • College of Natural and Health Sciences
  • 09:30 am – 10:30 am  |  Attendance & Welcoming Activities
  • 10:30 am – 10:45 am  |  Welcoming Remarks
  • 10:45 am – 11:15 am   |  Ambassadors 101 Intro to ZU Life
  • 11:15 am – 01:30 pm | Ya Hala Festival & ID Collection
  • 09:30 am – 11:30 am  |  Parents’ Lounge 

Download Ya Hala Schedule

Sneak Peek

of Campus Life

Student quotes

Are you ready to become Uniquely ZU? At ZU, you can shape your own journey. It all starts at Ya Hala!

How to Prepare

Follow these easy steps to feel ready for your first day!

Arrive at your campus on time – Abu Dhabi Campus (GATES 5 & 8) | Dubai Campus (GATES 3 & 4)

Bring your laptop – Laptop specifications (CIS students)

Wear comfortable shoes to walk in.

Screenshot/bring your student ID number (from your email).

Come with an open mind! Everyone is in the same boat, and it’s okay to feel a bit nervous.

Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it, whether from staff, faculty, or fellow students.

Please note this event will be recorded/photographed. We understand that not everyone may feel comfortable being photographed or recorded. With that in mind, we kindly ask that you consider the presence of videographers and photographers at the event. If you’d rather not appear in the videos or photos, please feel free to step aside when they are taking pictures. Your comfort and privacy are important to us.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Attending your Ya Hala onboarding day is mandatory for a smooth and successful start to your academic year (Abu Dhabi students: January 8; Dubai students: January 9).

On this day, you will be assigned a First Year Student Ambassador, a fellow student who will support you throughout your first year at ZU. You will be introduced to university student services and meet the ZU community of senior students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, it will be an opportunity to network with your friends and peers over festive activities, and collect your ZU ID card, which is necessary for your access to the campus.

There is no need for pre-registration to attend Ya Hala. On the day of the event, you must register at the attendance desks, where you can collect your giveaway.

Although we encourage you to attend Ya Hala to feel prepared for your first day, please email us at studentaffairs@zu.ac.ae if you cannot make it.

There will be a parent lounge during Ya Hala week (see the schedule); please encourage your parents to attend if they have any inquiries.

Navigation & Logistics

Dubai students: Follow the signs to Gates 3 & 4 | Abu Dhabi students: Follow the signs to Gates 5 & 8.

Be sure to follow @zayedu for Zayed University news and information; and @uniquelyzu for more on Student Affairs activities, Ya Hala, and ways to get involved!

Useful Resources