Alya Burhaima Connects Doctoral Research with Sharjah Museum Policy

Alya Rashid Burhaima, a second-year Ph.D. student in Global Studies at Global Studies University, attended the introductory seminar “Private Museums: Licensing and Its Importance” at Sharjah Maritime Museum on September 12, 2026.

Organized by Sharjah Museums Authority, the seminar examined why private museums should be registered and licensed and how they contribute to preserving cultural heritage. It also introduced the services and professional support available to private museum owners seeking to safeguard their collections and strengthen museum practices.

The discussion relates closely to Alya’s doctoral research, “Exploring Challenges and Opportunities for Emirati Private Museums in the UAE: A Path Toward Sustainable Cultural Development.” Her project examines registration, licensing, documentation, professional recognition, and long-term sustainability among private museums.

“Participating in this seminar provided valuable insights into the current efforts to support private museum owners in the UAE,” Alya said.

Originally from the United Arab Emirates, Alya specializes in Cultural, Visual, and Literary Studies. Her participation gave her an opportunity to consider how Sharjah’s Private Museums Licensing Service addresses questions at the center of her research.