Alya Rashid Burhaima, Ph.D. student in Global Studies specializing in Cultural, Visual, and Literary Studies and a member of the Executive Board of ICOM UAE, contributed to International Museum Day programming held across Al Ain and Ajman on May 17–18, 2026.
On May 17, she moderated a session at Al Ain Museum featuring museum professionals and cultural practitioners, focusing on contemporary museum practice, heritage governance, and public engagement in the United Arab Emirates. The opening remarks were delivered by Salama Al Shamsi, President of ICOM UAE, with contributions from invited speakers including Nasir Al Darmaki, Ahmed Al Tuneiji, Omar Al Kaabi, and Dr. AlAnood AlShaikh.
On May 18, she served as an opening speaker alongside Prof. Riad Sarajji, Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design at Ajman University, in a panel of talks organized under the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World.” The panel brought together faculty, students, and museum professionals to explore interdisciplinary approaches to museums, design education, and cultural engagement.
Mohamed Faroug A. Ali, Visiting Associate Professor of Archaeology at The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, also participated in the Ajman University panel, contributing to discussions on heritage and museum practice.
International Museum Day, observed annually on May 18, highlights the role of museums in cultural exchange, education, and the preservation of heritage.
“International Museum Day provided an important opportunity to engage in dialogue across disciplines and institutions on how museums can continue to evolve as spaces of knowledge, interpretation, and community engagement,” said Alya.
Alya brings over fifteen years of professional experience at the Sharjah Museums Authority, where she currently serves as Museums Development Department Manager. Her work focuses on exhibition development, education initiatives, and strengthening community engagement across museum programs. Her research examines Emirati private museums, with an emphasis on sustainability, policy frameworks, and their role in cultural preservation.
View her student profile to learn more.