ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Under the chairwomanship of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Design Commission Abu Dhabi (DCAD) has announced a landmark partnership with Tiffany & Co. to launch the Tiffany & Co. Design Residency Programme, a specialised residency dedicated to advancing excellence in design through the disciplines of jewellery and watch design.
As part of its mission to establish Abu Dhabi as a global destination for design and creativity, DCAD continues to expand its multidisciplinary residency portfolio through strategic international partnerships.
The Tiffany & Co. Design Residency introduces jewellery and watch design as powerful creative disciplines where craftsmanship, innovation, material exploration, and cultural storytelling converge to shape contemporary design.
Developed in collaboration with Tiffany & Co., the residency will nurture a new generation of designers by combining the richness of Emirati culture, architecture and artistic heritage with the house's nearly two centuries of design innovation and creative excellence.
Participants will explore the conceptual, creative and technical foundations of jewellery and watch design while developing their own design language through experimentation, research and material exploration.
The programme reflects DCAD's commitment to building a sustainable design ecosystem by connecting local talent with world-leading creative institutions.
Through mentorship, workshops, and an immersive educational journey led by Tiffany & Co., participants will gain the design thinking, technical knowledge and creative methodology required to transform ideas into contemporary jewellery and watch concepts.
The residency will culminate in a Capstone Exhibition in May 2027, showcasing the participants' final projects within Abu Dhabi's cultural landscape.
Ten residents will be selected through an open call taking place from August 17 to September 20, 2026. The programme is open to UAE residents of all nationalities with foundational knowledge of jewellery and/or watch design.
Applicants will submit their applications and portfolios through the DCAD website (www.dcad.ae/tiffanyandco-design-residency).
Running from November 2026 to April 2027, the residency will feature weekly Saturday sessions at a dedicated venue in Abu Dhabi. Upon completion, the three highest-performing participants will be awarded a three-month internship at Tiffany & Co.'s New York headquarters from June to August 2027, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the world's most iconic design houses.
Through this initiative, DCAD continues to strengthen the infrastructure that supports long-term creative development in Abu Dhabi.
By combining education, international collaboration and professional pathways, the commission reinforces its vision of positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading centre for design excellence while contributing to the long-term growth of the emirate's creative economy.