The programme runs from November 2026 to April 2027 in in the capital
Fancy learning the art of jewellery and watch design from one of the world’s most iconic luxury names? Abu Dhabi has just announced a pretty exciting opportunity for aspiring designers.
Under the chairwomanship of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Design Commission Abu Dhabi (DCAD) has teamed up with Tiffany & Co. to launch a brand-new design residency focused on jewellery and watch design.
The six-month programme will bring together Emirati culture, architecture and artistic heritage with Tiffany & Co.’s nearly 200 years of design expertise, giving participants the chance to experiment, learn and develop their own creative style.
It’s not just about making something that looks pretty, either. Residents will explore everything from materials and craftsmanship to creative thinking, storytelling and the technical side of jewellery and watch design.
The programme runs from November 2026 to April 2027, with weekly Saturday sessions taking place at a dedicated venue in Abu Dhabi. Participants will also get access to workshops, mentorship and an immersive programme led by Tiffany & Co. experts.
And there’s a seriously good incentive at the end.
The residency will select 10 participants, with the three highest-performing designers earning a three-month internship at Tiffany & Co.’s New York headquarters from June to August 2027. Not a bad addition to the CV.
The experience will wrap up with a Capstone Exhibition in May 2027, where participants will showcase their final creations as part of Abu Dhabi’s growing creative scene.
The programme is open to UAE residents of all nationalities with foundational knowledge of jewellery and/or watch design. Applications are open from August 17 to September 20, 2026, with applicants asked to submit their portfolio through the DCAD website.
It’s the latest move from DCAD to put Abu Dhabi firmly on the map as a destination for design and creativity, while giving local talent a chance to connect with some seriously big names in the international creative world.
Who knows? The next big name in jewellery design could be starting out in Abu Dhabi.
Applications are open from 17 August to 20 September, 2026. For further information, visit DCAD
