Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism and Zayed National Museum Launch AED1m Research Fund, Applications Open Until July 20, 2024

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Following the triumphant debut of the grant program in 2023, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Zayed National Museum have initiated the second phase of the Zayed National Museum Research Fund. This fund, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, aims to foster scholarly exploration into the nation's culture and history.

With an annual allocation of AED1 million, the Zayed National Museum Research Fund stands as one of the most significant funding opportunities in the region. Tailored to support research initiatives encompassing various aspects of UAE culture, heritage, history, and archaeology, including the enduring influence of Sheikh Zayed and the nation's intangible heritage, such as oral traditions and folklore, this funding scheme endeavors to enrich scholarly endeavors within the UAE.

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The fund offers both substantial and modest grants, catering to established researchers as well as early career scholars, with the objective of cultivating a new generation of experts specializing in UAE history. Researchers worldwide are invited to apply for the second round of funding, which aims to contribute to the preservation and advancement of knowledge concerning the UAE's heritage. Applications are open until July 20, 2024, with grant recipients to be announced in November.

A panel comprising representatives from the Zayed National Museum, DCT Abu Dhabi, and external subject matter experts will review the applications. Criteria for assessment include research methodology, scholarly experience, anticipated outcomes, and alignment with the museum's objectives.

The success of the inaugural grant program is evident in its diverse array of recipients, with 10 researchers selected from a pool of 77 applicants representing 19 countries. Their projects explored various facets of UAE culture and history, enriching the scholarly landscape with valuable insights. Topics covered in the inaugural year ranged from Sheikh Zayed's societal influence to historical connections between India and the Arabian Peninsula, and the role of women in Arabian Peninsula trade.

His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed enthusiasm for the continuation of the funding initiative, emphasizing the museum's commitment to fostering scholarly endeavors and encouraging academic exploration into the UAE's rich heritage. With a renewed focus on archaeological discovery and academic inquiry, the fund aims to propel research endeavors that illuminate the land and lives of the UAE, paving the way for new understandings and insights.