The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi has opened applications for LanD 2027, the region’s first training programme dedicated to the holistic documentation of cultural landscapes as dynamic living systems. The initiative, co-organised with the CHEDAR project, draws on expertise from ICOMOS International Scientific Committees, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and other leading heritage organisations. It combines theoretical learning with practical application to equip participants with tools for informed decision-making in heritage management across the MENA region.
Applications for the programme will remain open until October 15 2026 according to the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi with submissions accepted through a dedicated online form. The training targets 20 emerging professionals and early to mid-career practitioners who hold a bachelor’s degree and possess between three and five years of relevant experience in disciplines including architecture, archaeology, geography, anthropology or heritage policy. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary international teams with the entire course delivered in English.
Online sessions for selected participants are scheduled from January to April 2027 followed by a 10-day on-site training component from April 26 to May 5 2027 in Al Ain. The fieldwork will centre on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hili Oasis utilising methods such as 3D landscape documentation, GIS spatial analysis, recording of intangible cultural heritage and people-centred participatory approaches. A nature-culture integrated framework and collaborative data management workflows form additional core elements of the curriculum according to programme organisers.
The CHEDAR project which coordinates LanD 2027 operates under the Legacy Expo 2020 Dubai programme and involves a consortium of Italian universities and research institutes including the University of Florence as coordinator. Organisers will provide domestic travel within the UAE, accommodation and meals during the Al Ain component while participants cover their international travel and a course fee of 750 US dollars with limited scholarships available upon request. Visa support and health insurance requirements are also outlined by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi.
Successful completion of the programme will result in an OpenBadge certificate meeting the international 1EdTech standard. The initiative forms part of CHEDAR’s advanced training activities aimed at strengthening regional capacity in digital heritage documentation and resilience. Participants will engage directly with international experts throughout both the virtual and practical phases of the training.
