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. Enjoy food, activities, and performances as well!
Abu Dhabi Campus: January 8, 2025
Dubai Campus: January 9, 2025
Campus Tour Video
Already curious? Take a look at your home for the next four years!
Ya Hala 2025 Schedule
Schedule and Agenda
Dubai Campus
Monday, August 12, 2024
- 09:30 am – 10:30 am | Welcoming & Registration – Meet Your Ambassador
- 10:30 am – 10:45 am | Welcoming Remarks
- 10:45 am – 11:30 am | Ambassadors 101 Intro to ZU Life & Course Registration
- 11:30 am – 02:00 pm | Ya Hala Festival – Activities, Food, and Performances!
- 02:00 pm – 03:00 pm | ID Collection
- 09:30 am – 02:00 pm | Parents’ Lounge
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Course Registration
- 12:00 pm – 01:00 pm | “Discover Your Campus” Tour
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
- 10:30 am – 12:00 pm | Sports & Fitness Time
Thursday, August 15, 2024
- 12:00 pm – 02:00 pm | Movie Time (with Popcorn)!
- 02:00 pm – 03:00 pm | Networking Lounge with Ambassadors
- 02:00 pm – 03:00 pm | Parents’ Campus Tour
Abu Dhabi Campus
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
- 09:30 am – 10:30 am | Welcoming & Registration – Meet Your Ambassador
- 10:30 am – 10:45 am | Welcoming Remarks
- 10:45 am – 11:30 am | Ambassadors 101 Intro to ZU Life & Course Registration
- 11:30 am – 02:00 pm | Ya Hala Festival – Activities, Food, and Performances!
- 02:00 pm – 03:00 pm | ID Collection
- 09:30 am – 02:00 pm | Parents’ Lounge
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
- 09:30 am – 10:30 am | Welcoming & Registration – Meet Your Ambassador
- 10:30 am – 10:45 am | Welcoming Remarks
- 10:45 am – 11:30 am | Ambassadors 101 Intro to ZU Life & Course Registration
- 11:30 am – 02:00 pm | Ya Hala Festival – Activities, Food, and Performances!
- 02:00 pm – 03:00 pm | ID Collection
- 09:30 am – 02:00 pm | Parents’ Lounge
Thursday, August 15, 2024
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Course Registration
- 12:00 pm – 01:00 pm | Sports & Fitness Time
- 01:00 pm – 02:00 pm | “Discover Your Campus” Tour & Networking with Ambassadors
- 02:00 pm – 03:00 pm | Movie Time (with Popcorn)!
- 09:30 am – 02:00 pm | Parents’ Campus Tour
Abu Dhabi Campus
- 09:30 am – 10:30 am | Attendance & Welcoming Activities
- 10:30 am – 10:45 am | Welcoming Remarks
- 10:45 am – 11:30 am | Ambassadors 101 Intro to ZU Life
- 11:30 am – 01:00 pm | Ya Hala Festival & ID Collection
- 09:30 am – 11:30 am | Parents’ Lounge
Dubai Campus
- 09:30 am – 10:30 am | Attendance & Welcoming Activities
- 10:30 am – 10:45 am | Welcoming Remarks
- 10:45 am – 11:30 am | Ambassadors 101 Intro to ZU Life
- 11:30 am – 01:00 pm | Ya Hala Festival & ID Collection
- 09:30 am – 11:30 am | Parents’ Lounge
Ya Hala Agenda
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
Is Ya Hala mandatory?
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).
Why is Ya Hala important?
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.
Do I need to register?
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.
I can’t attend the event, what should I do?
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.
My parents have questions, who can I direct them to?
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
How do I get to campus?
Where can I park?
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!