Abu Dhabi:The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is fostering emerging creative talent through the second edition of its Al Hosn Emerging Talent programme. This eight-week initiative aims to support UAE-based recent graduates and early-career creatives by combining heritage education with design development.
According to Wam, the programme, running until 19th November 2026, is themed "Traces of Abu Dhabi" and involves eight emerging creatives from various design disciplines. Participants will explore Abu Dhabi's history through archaeological discoveries, historical objects, and archival images to develop original patterns and contemporary product concepts.
Throughout the programme, participants gain direct access to Abu Dhabi's cultural sites, collections, and expertise through sessions at locations such as Qasr Al Hosn, House of Artisans, Zayed National Museum, and Al Ain Museum. They are guided by DCT Abu Dhabi's archaeologists, conservators, curators, and cultural interpretation teams to understand the emirate’s material and visual history.
The programme transitions participants from research to practice through design workshops, mentorship, studio development, and project reviews conducted by established Emirati and UAE-based designers and creative practitioners. Participants are encouraged to develop skills in material application, range development, presentation, and commercial thinking, with technical prototyping support from MAKE Abu Dhabi.
By the end of the programme, each participant will have developed a portfolio-ready pattern system, product proposal, mock-up, and physical prototype. A final showcase on 19th November 2026 will present the completed proposals, with three winning concepts selected for further development and potential sale through DCT Abu Dhabi's cultural-site retail stores.
This initiative demonstrates how cultural institutions can contribute to skills development and create pathways into the UAE's creative economy, positioning Qasr Al Hosn as a hub of knowledge and learning. It reflects DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to nurturing local talent, strengthening cultural and creative industries, and preserving Abu Dhabi's cultural heritage for future generations.