UAE Unveils First Ever Part-Time Conservation Diploma in Collaboration with West Dean

The Zayed National Museum has unveiled the UAE’s first part-time Associate Conservator Diploma in collaboration with West Dean College from the UK. This initiative is also backed by the Mubadala Foundation.

This new diploma responds to the rising need for conservation specialists in the UAE. Its goal is to equip both existing and aspiring professionals with the necessary skills in heritage conservation, ensuring adherence to international ethical standards in caring for cultural artifacts and collections.

Dr. Peter Magee, Director of Zayed National Museum, stated that this initiative aligns with the museum’s mission to safeguard and comprehend UAE heritage. He noted that the program integrates academic knowledge with hands-on experience, enabling participants to hone their professional abilities while fostering the long-term preservation of Heritage collections in the region.

Developed through a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, the diploma marries scientific insight with practical training. It invites applications from individuals with backgrounds in heritage, archaeology, conservation, or related disciplines; professionals already engaged in the cultural sphere can also seek admission.

Alya Al Hosani, Executive Director – Community Affairs at Mubadala, described the program as a crucial advancement in cultivating specialized skills within the cultural sector. She emphasized its role in nurturing local talent and reinforcing a sustainable cultural framework in the UAE.

Courses will be conducted in a hybrid format, featuring in-person sessions at the Zayed National Museum, online studies, and a four-week practical placement within cultural institutions across the UAE.

The first academic term will span from August 2026 to January 2027, comprising three intensive teaching modules scheduled as follows: 31 August–18 September 2026, 26 October–13 November 2026, and 11 January–22 January 2027.

Professor Laura Peters from West Dean College remarked that the program is crafted to bestow students with both the technical skills and the critical understanding essential in conservation. She also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, looking forward to nurturing future conservation experts.

Recruitment for the program is currently ongoing, with a deadline set for June 2026. Interested candidates are urged to apply early as spaces are limited, allowing also for expressions of interest in upcoming cohorts planned over the following two years.