Ajman University Hosts the International Museum Day 2026 Symposium in Collaboration with ICOM UAE
As part of the Memorandum of Understanding between Ajman University and ICOM UAE, the College of Architecture, Art and Design organized the International Museum Day 2026 Symposium for the third consecutive year under the theme, "Museums Uniting a Divided World." The symposium highlighted the vital role of museums in fostering cultural dialogue, advancing knowledge, and serving the community.
The symposium was inaugurated by Prof. Riad Saraiji, Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design and representative of Ajman University. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between universities, museums, and cultural institutions to support education, research, and knowledge exchange.
The opening address was also delivered by Alya Burhaima, ICOM UAE Board Member and representative of ICOM UAE, who highlighted the role of museums in promoting intercultural dialogue, strengthening community engagement, and preserving cultural heritage.
The symposium featured distinguished speakers from the museum and cultural sectors, including Eng. Rashad Mohamed Bukhash, Vice President of the Arab Organization of Museums (ICOM Arab); Dr. Mona Rashid Al Ali, Assistant Professor at Rabdan Academy; Ludo Verheyen, CEO of MTE Studios; and Dr. Ludovic Ferriere, Curator of Geology and Meteorites at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (NHMAD).
The academic sessions also included presentations by Dr. Naglaa Mahmoud, Dr. Muna Salameh, Dr. Ayman Kassem, and Dr. Marcella Camponogara from the College of Architecture, Art, and Design. Student presentations were delivered by Hams Nabil Farooq from the Interior Design Department and Jana Salam from the Department of Architecture, showcasing innovative museum design projects.
The symposium was honored by the attendance of a distinguished group of curators from Sharjah Museums Authority, including Ezza Al Harmoudi, Curator of Sharjah Science Museum; Shouq Sultan, Curator of Sharjah Calligraphy Museum; Amna Al Askar, Curator of Sharjah Discovery Centre; Intisar Al Obaidli, Curator of Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization; Sarah Hanzal, Curator of Al Qasimia School Museum; Alya Al Khayyal, Curator of Sharjah Archaeology Museum; and Samira Al Ghais, Curator of Sharjah Maritime Museum.
The event also featured an accompanying exhibition presenting selected student projects from the Interior Design and Architecture programs, reflecting Ajman University's commitment to connecting academic education with professional practice and encouraging innovative approaches to museum design.
The symposium demonstrated the success of the partnership between Ajman University and ICOM UAE and reaffirmed the University's commitment to strengthening collaboration with international cultural institutions. It also highlighted the importance of museum education, research, and community engagement.
