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 Program. The specialised residency will focus on jewellery and watch design, bringing craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural storytelling into Abu Dhabi’s expanding design ecosystem.
The initiative supports DCAD’s broader ambition to establish Abu Dhabi as a global destination for design and creativity. At the same time, it expands the Commission’s multidisciplinary residency programme through an international partnership with one of the world’s most recognised jewellery houses.
Developing New Design Talent
Developed with Tiffany & Co., the residency will connect Emirati culture, architecture and artistic heritage with the house’s nearly two centuries of design innovation. Participants will explore the conceptual, creative, and technical foundations of jewellery and watch design while developing individual approaches through research and experimentation.
Moreover, the programme places material exploration and craftsmanship at the centre of the learning experience. Through mentorship and workshops, participants will develop design thinking, technical knowledge, and creative methodologies for translating ideas into contemporary jewellery and watch concepts.
The residency also reflects DCAD’s focus on building sustainable creative infrastructure. By connecting local talent with international institutions, the programme aims to create professional pathways and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position in the global design landscape.
Applications Open for 10 Residents
Ten residents will be selected through an open call running from 17 August to 20 September 2026. The programme is open to UAE residents of all nationalities who have foundational knowledge of jewellery and/or watch design.
Applicants can submit their applications and portfolios through the DCAD website. The residency will run from November 2026 through April 2027, with weekly Saturday sessions held at a dedicated venue in Abu Dhabi.
The programme will conclude with a Capstone Exhibition in May 2027. The exhibition will present participants’ final projects within Abu Dhabi’s wider cultural landscape, offering a public platform for emerging design practices.
In addition, the three highest-performing participants will receive three-month internships at Tiffany & Co.’s New York headquarters. Scheduled for June through August 2027, the placements will provide direct exposure to the working environment of an internationally established design house.
Ultimately, the partnership combines education, mentorship, and international professional experience within a single programme. As a result, DCAD aims to support long-term creative development while contributing to the growth of Abu Dhabi’s design and cultural economy.
Applications and portfolios can be submitted through the DCAD website at www.dcad.ae/tiffanyandco-design-residency.
