Abu Dhabi Launches Heritage Expert Modules for Knowledge Sharing

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is set to host a new series of educational programmes called the Expert Modules for Strategic Knowledge Co-Creation. Starting in September 2025, these modules will offer seminars, workshops, and hands-on field visits led by cultural heritage experts. The programme aims to promote a coordinated and integrated approach to preserving Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural and natural heritage while ensuring that future generations can access and enjoy these resources.

The initiative reflects DCT Abu Dhabi’s long-term dedication to cultural sustainability. By providing specialized training, the department seeks to empower professionals to manage and protect heritage sites, traditions, and cultural expressions effectively.

Background and Significance

These modules build upon the success of the International Forum on Cultural Heritage & Knowledge Development, which was held in May 2025 by DCT Abu Dhabi in partnership with UNESCO, the UAE Ministry of Culture, and other international organizations. The forum focused on improving culture education, safeguarding heritage, and promoting integrated approaches for heritage protection and development.

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The forum itself was inspired by the recommendations of UNESCO’s World Conference on Culture and Arts Education, held in Abu Dhabi in February 2024. Together, these initiatives form part of Abu Dhabi’s broader heritage law strategy, ensuring that cultural heritage remains a priority at both national and regional levels.

Leadership Perspective

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of collaboration in heritage preservation. He said:

"The preservation of our heritage is a shared mission that requires collaboration, knowledge exchange, and collective action. Building on the outcomes of the International Forum on Cultural Heritage & Knowledge Development, the ongoing work to safeguard our past by upskilling our culture sector workforce continues with this important series of seminars, workshops, and hands-on field visits. We are equipping specialists across a range of disciplines to effectively conserve our stories, sites, and traditions, ensuring our shared cultural and natural heritage remain a source of identity, opportunity, and inspiration in Abu Dhabi, the region, and beyond."

This statement reflects the programme’s focus on creating a skilled network of professionals capable of protecting and promoting heritage in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

Objectives of the Expert Modules

The programme is built on several international frameworks and agreements, including:

• The UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education (Abu Dhabi, 2024)

• The MONDIACULT Conference (2022)

• The Pact for the Future Summit (2024)

• The UN Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (1966)

The Expert Modules aim to:

1. Promote cultural heritage as a living resource for communities.

2. Strengthen knowledge and skills among professionals working in cultural heritage.

3. Encourage collaboration across government agencies, educational institutions, media, and civil society.

4. Support sustainable socio-economic and environmental development through heritage preservation.

5. Ensure that cultural heritage continues to provide identity, historical continuity, and economic opportunities.

Programme Structure

The Expert Modules are divided into four thematic areas, each running over four consecutive days. Each module includes:

• Two days of intensive seminars focusing on knowledge sharing and awareness building.

• Two days of workshops and field visits, promoting cross-sector collaboration among professionals in culture, education, media, law enforcement, tourism, environment, and related fields.

Module One: Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites

Dates: 16–19 September 2025

This module introduces heritage as a shared responsibility and a driver of sustainable development. Participants will learn about:

• Legal, institutional, and practical methods for protecting heritage sites.

• National and UNESCO frameworks.

• Community-based site management.

• Inter-agency cooperation and risk preparedness.

Module Two: Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (Cultural Industries)

Dates: 7–10 October 2025

The second module highlights the importance of cultural diversity for innovation, inclusion, and resilience. Participants will explore:

• Legal frameworks supporting diverse cultural expressions.

• Roles of cultural industries, education, and civil society.

• Ways to protect cultural voices during crises and rapid societal changes.

Module Three: Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage

Dates: 21–24 October 2025

This module focuses on submerged heritage, including coastal archaeological sites. Topics include:

• Maritime law and environmental considerations.

• Coordination with law enforcement and local communities.

• Tourism’s role in protecting underwater heritage.

Module Four: Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage

Dates: 17–20 November 2025

The final module explores traditions, knowledge systems, practices, oral expressions, and performing arts. Participants will learn:

• Methods for safeguarding living heritage.

• The roles of education, media, and policy in cultural preservation.

• Ways local communities can maintain cultural identity and continuity.

Participation and Certification

Eligible participants include mid-career professionals from the UAE and GCC who work in government entities, cultural institutions, education, media, law enforcement, environment, tourism, and civil society. Interdisciplinary professionals such as architects, urban planners, archaeologists, educators, and museum specialists are also welcome.

• Modules will be conducted in Arabic and English, with simultaneous interpretation.

• Participants who complete a module will receive a certificate, recognizing them as part of Abu Dhabi’s network of cultural heritage experts.

• Certified participants will join specialized focus groups to support ongoing national and regional heritage initiatives.

Participation requires approval from respective departments and commitment to attend all four days of the module. Individuals can also be nominated by their organizations to attend the modules most relevant to their professional roles.

Importance of the Programme

The Expert Modules underline DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to heritage sustainability. By training professionals across sectors, the programme:

• Encourages knowledge sharing and collaboration across disciplines.

• Strengthens Abu Dhabi’s capacity to protect cultural and natural heritage.

• Ensures that heritage remains accessible and beneficial for communities today and in the future.

• Promotes social unity, economic opportunity, and historical continuity.

The initiative also demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s leadership in cultural governance, integrating education, policy, and practical conservation measures to safeguard heritage on multiple levels.

The launch of the Expert Modules for Strategic Knowledge Co-Creation marks a major step in Abu Dhabi’s cultural development strategy. By providing training, workshops, and field experiences, the programme ensures that cultural heritage professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to preserve the UAE’s rich heritage.

Through this initiative, DCT Abu Dhabi continues to foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and innovation, enabling the people of Abu Dhabi and the wider region to connect with, appreciate, and benefit from cultural and natural heritage in a meaningful and lasting way.

The programme embodies the belief that cultural heritage is not only a shared treasure but also a vital resource for social cohesion, education, and sustainable development. By investing in human capital and promoting cross-sector engagement, Abu Dhabi sets a benchmark for heritage protection that other nations may follow.

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